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Too busy to be a parent: The adverse effects of weekend overtime on fertility preferences

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  • Li, Zekun
  • Xu, Wenhao

Abstract

This study uses data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) for 2020 and 2022, based on 7812 valid samples, to empirically examine the impact of weekend overtime on workers' fertility intentions. The findings indicate that weekend overtime significantly reduces workers' fertility plans for the next two years, a conclusion that holds even after controlling for endogeneity and performing a series of robustness tests. Further analysis shows that this negative effect is more pronounced among women and individuals with one child, and primarily operates through its impact on workers' mental health, marital quality, and emotional fertility motivations. Additionally, the study finds that weekend overtime has a clear suppressive effect on short-term fertility behavior. The conclusions provide new empirical evidence for understanding the relationship between labor market pressures and the decline in fertility rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Zekun & Xu, Wenhao, 2026. "Too busy to be a parent: The adverse effects of weekend overtime on fertility preferences," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 1-16.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:90:y:2026:i:c:p:1-16
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2026.01.012
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    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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