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Internet use, gender role attitudes, and female labor market outcomes in rural China

Author

Listed:
  • Hu, Nanyan
  • Hu, Yonghao
  • Zhai, Jinqian
  • Wu, Laping

Abstract

This study draws on seven waves of data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS) to examine the impact of Internet use on labor market outcomes among rural female in China. Employing both ordinary least squares (OLS) and two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation strategies, we address potential endogeneity concerns and explore the underlying mechanisms of this relationship. The empirical results indicate that Internet use significantly improves rural female’s labor market outcomes by increasing their likelihood of engaging in off-farm employment, extending working hours, and raising annual wages. These positive effects are pronounced among female who are younger, have fewer children, and possess higher levels of education. Mechanism analysis shows that Internet use improves employment outcomes by promoting more egalitarian gender role attitudes. Moreover, Internet use improves the quality of female employment, primarily reflected in the signing of labor contracts, access to employment-related social security, and increased job satisfaction. By focusing on the often-overlooked group of rural female workers, this study contributes to the growing literature on digitalization and labor market outcomes, shedding light on the role of online access in promoting female’s economic empowerment.

Suggested Citation

  • Hu, Nanyan & Hu, Yonghao & Zhai, Jinqian & Wu, Laping, 2026. "Internet use, gender role attitudes, and female labor market outcomes in rural China," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:50:y:2026:i:2:s0308596125002058
    DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2025.103108
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J43 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Agricultural Labor Markets

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