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

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

Kuang et al., 2026, Demography — Demography

Patterns: [Distinctions](https://dsrpevidence.org/pattern/distinctions), [Relationships](https://dsrpevidence.org/pattern/relationships)

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

These researchers were not testing DSRP. The finding is theirs; the correspondence to DSRP is drawn by this site.

[Source](https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-12785315)