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Grandchildren Care and Labor Supply of Middle-Aged Grandmothers: Evidence from China

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  • Xinxin Ma

    (Hosei University)

Abstract

This study investigated how grandchild care influences the work participation of middle-aged grandmothers (aged 45–54 years) in China, using longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey for the years 2011, 2013, and 2015. A random-effects model and the instrumental variable method were used to address the endogeneity problem. There were two main findings: First, caring for grandchildren prevents many middle-aged grandmothers from working. Second, the negative influence on the labor supply of grandchild care differs by age, education, and hukou status (rural or urban) of the grandmother. The negative influence is greater in grandmothers who are less educated or urban residents. The results were confirmed by a robustness check.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinxin Ma, 2022. "Grandchildren Care and Labor Supply of Middle-Aged Grandmothers: Evidence from China," Journal of Family and Economic Issues, Springer, vol. 43(3), pages 581-598, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jfamec:v:43:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s10834-021-09794-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10834-021-09794-0
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    Cited by:

    1. Feng, Lyubing & He, Yuxi & Zhan, Peng, 2023. "Economic independence and living arrangements of older women with agricultural Hukou in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).

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