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Migration and experienced utility of left-behind parents: evidence from rural China

Author

Listed:
  • Shu Cai

    (Jinan University)

  • Albert Park

    (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Winnie Yip

    (Harvard University)

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of children’s migration on the well-being of left-behind parents using panel data on experienced utility measured by the Day Reconstruction Method. Exploiting exogenous variation in exposure to employment shocks at migration destinations for identification, we find that left-behind parents experience lower utility when their adult children migrate. This is partly due to increased working time and less time spent in social activities, and partly due to reduced utility within activity type. The latter effect is consistent with the finding of less physical care and psychological support from children who have migrated. These negative effects dominate the possible benefits of greater income associated with children’s migration.

Suggested Citation

  • Shu Cai & Albert Park & Winnie Yip, 2022. "Migration and experienced utility of left-behind parents: evidence from rural China," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 35(3), pages 1225-1259, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:35:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s00148-021-00869-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-021-00869-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Cai, Shu & Zimmermann, Klaus F., 2024. "Social Identity and Labor Market Outcomes of Internal Migrant Workers," GLO Discussion Paper Series 716 [pre.], Global Labor Organization (GLO).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Migration; Experienced utility; Time use; Subjective well-being;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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