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Reexamining the effect of birth order on cognitive and non-cognitive abilities: New evidence from China

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  • Zhang, Shumeng
  • Guo, Naijia
  • Zhang, Junsen

Abstract

We present rich new evidence on birth order effects on cognitive and non-cognitive ability using a rural sample from China Family Panel Studies. Within families, being the later-born child confers both statistically and economically significant disadvantages in cognition, but has no effects on non-cognitive ability. In particular, the deficits in the cognition of the later-born are persistently large between the ages 10 and 18. We shed new light on the mediating role of school starting age, which explains more than a quarter of the total effect of birth order on cognition. We also find that birth order is negatively associated with home environment and parent–child interactions. In addition, we find a negative relationship between birth order and education among adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Shumeng & Guo, Naijia & Zhang, Junsen, 2023. "Reexamining the effect of birth order on cognitive and non-cognitive abilities: New evidence from China," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:97:y:2023:i:c:s0272775723001231
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2023.102476
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Birth order; Cognitive ability; Non-cognitive ability; Inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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