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Supporters or hinderances? Intergenerational coresidence and household finance under patriarchy

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  • Huang, He
  • Tan, Ruipeng
  • Yang, Zhiming

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of intergenerational coresidence on household financial outcomes in patriarchal societies. Using data from the China Household Finance Survey, we find that coresiding parents significantly increase the likelihood of their biological child assuming household headship, a result that remains robust after a series of robustness checks. Intergenerational coresidence positively affects households’ financial market participation, portfolio diversification, and asset returns. Parents’ consistent support and adherence to traditional gender norms play crucial roles and the effects of intergenerational coresidence is unidirectional. Moreover, we find that a negative shock to community-level gender equality dampens the positive influence of intergenerational coresidence on financial behavior, highlighting the intricate interplay between household structure and financial decision-making. These findings offer valuable insights into how family dynamics and social gender norms shape economic outcomes, with implications for policies aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and intergenerational well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, He & Tan, Ruipeng & Yang, Zhiming, 2026. "Supporters or hinderances? Intergenerational coresidence and household finance under patriarchy," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:242:y:2026:i:c:s0167268125005268
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107409
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