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Female olympic champions and gender preferences: Evidence from China

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  • Guo, Mengmeng
  • Ling, Dian
  • Wen, Qiang

Abstract

This study examines whether enhancing the perceived value of women can alter public preferences regarding the sex of children. Leveraging the potent combination of economic influence and social prestige associated with Olympic champions, we conduct an empirical analysis using data on Chinese female Olympic champions from the 2016 Rio Games and the 2015 and 2017 waves of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). Using a difference-in-differences design, we find that women’s Olympic victories significantly increase their hometown residents’ willingness to have daughters, without affecting preferences for sons. This effect operates through channels whereby female Olympic champions elevate the perceived economic and social value of women relative to men, challenge traditional gender-role stereotypes, and serve as salient role models. Our findings suggest that enhancing the perceived value of women can help address gender imbalance in sex preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Guo, Mengmeng & Ling, Dian & Wen, Qiang, 2025. "Female olympic champions and gender preferences: Evidence from China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:240:y:2025:i:c:s0167268125004160
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107299
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    JEL classification:

    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • Z20 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - General

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