[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Rising Sex Ratio and Labor Supply of the Urban Elderly in China

## Details

**Authors** Kuang et al.

**Year** 2026

**Publisher** Demography

**Discipline** Demography

**Secondary disciplines** Economics

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-12785315) 
10.1215/00703370-12785315

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Highlights High sex ratios increase employment among elderly fathers of sons relative to fathers of daughters. Higher marriage costs and reduced old-age support drive the increase in elderly labor supply. High sex ratios reduce consumption and well-being among fathers of sons.

### What they found (results)

High local sex ratios increase employment among elderly fathers of sons relative to fathers of daughters, a pattern attributed to elevated marriage costs and weakened old-age support, alongside lower consumption and well-being for these fathers.

## Commentary

### In short

A market-level imbalance causally propagates into individual economic behavior, but only through the categorical distinction between fathers of sons and fathers of daughters.

**Patterns it shows** D, R

**Added** 2026-08-18

**How to cite this** Kuang et al. (2026). Rising Sex Ratio and Labor Supply of the Urban Elderly in China. Demography.