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Gender differences in cognition in China and reasons for change over time: Evidence from CHARLS

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  • Lei, Xiaoyan
  • Smith, James P.
  • Sun, Xiaoting
  • Zhao, Yaohui

Abstract

In this paper, we model gender differences in cognitive ability in China using a new sample of middle-aged and older Chinese respondents. Modeled after the American Health and Retirement Survey (HRS), CHARLS respondents are 45years and older and are nationally representative of the Chinese population in this age span. Our measures of cognition in CHARLS rely on two measures that proxy for different dimensions of adult cognition – episodic memory and intact mental status. We relate these cognitive measures to adult health and SES outcomes during the adult years. We find large cognitive differences to the detriment of women that were mitigated by large gender differences in education among these generations of Chinese people. These gender differences in cognition are especially concentrated in the older age groups and poorer communities within the sample.

Suggested Citation

  • Lei, Xiaoyan & Smith, James P. & Sun, Xiaoting & Zhao, Yaohui, 2014. "Gender differences in cognition in China and reasons for change over time: Evidence from CHARLS," The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, Elsevier, vol. 4(C), pages 46-55.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joecag:v:4:y:2014:i:c:p:46-55
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeoa.2013.11.001
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    • H10 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - General

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