Influence of child structure and means of eldercare on equitable distribution of family assets

To provide a reference for the realization of children’s equal inheritance, this study examined the influence of child structure and means of eldercare on equitable family property distribution willingness. Using data from surveys of Chinese women’s social status, this study analyzes the impacts of child structure and means of eldercare on family property distribution, with the children’s surname choice and women’s status as moderating factors. The results indicate that a child structure in which the family consists of more girls than boys, a higher number of children, and the choice of family support for eldercare significantly inhibit the equal distribution of family assets. However, the weakening of traditional views significantly promotes the equal distribution of household assets. These findings remain robust after endogenous and robustness tests. Moreover, the study finds that the impact of the structure of children and eldercare methods varied across different age groups, household registration attributes, and genders. Research on the willingness to distribute household wealth aids in understanding the effects and differences brought about by the structure of children and eldercare methods under current traditional cultural contexts, thereby promoting a more equitable distribution of household wealth.