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The impact of family background on female labor force participation

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  • Huang, Li
  • Li, Ying

Abstract

Despite China's economic progress, the determinants of female labor force participation (FLP) remain understudied, particularly regarding the role of family background and its interaction with gender perceptions. This study examines how parental education and household registration status influence FLP and whether gender inequality perceptions moderate these relationships. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies 2020, we employ logistic regression models with interaction terms. Results indicate that higher parental education and urban hukou status positively affect FLP. However, gender inequality perceptions exhibit a complex moderating effect. Although higher awareness of gender inequality may generally increase FLP, it weakens the positive effects of parental education and urban hukou status. Furthermore, we determine that the influence of family background varies across age groups. The effect of parental education is strong for women aged 36–49, while hukou status has a greater impact on FLP for younger women (18–35). These findings underscore the complex interplay between intergenerational factors, institutional barriers, individual perceptions, and age in shaping women's employment decisions in China, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and age-specific policies to promote gender equality in the labor market.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Li & Li, Ying, 2025. "The impact of family background on female labor force participation," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:73:y:2025:i:c:s1544612324016635
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106634
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francine D. Blau & Lawrence M. Kahn, 2007. "Changes in the Labor Supply Behavior of Married Women: 1980–2000," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 25(3), pages 393-438.
    2. Mincer, Jacob & Polachek, Solomon, 1974. "Family Investment in Human Capital: Earnings of Women," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 82(2), pages 76-108, Part II, .
    3. Black, Sandra E. & Devereux, Paul J., 2011. "Recent Developments in Intergenerational Mobility," Handbook of Labor Economics, in: O. Ashenfelter & D. Card (ed.), Handbook of Labor Economics, edition 1, volume 4, chapter 16, pages 1487-1541, Elsevier.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Female labor force participation; Family background; Gender inequality; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • P36 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty

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