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Son Preference and Elder Sisters’ Subjective Well-being: Inequality in Intra-household Resource Allocation

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  • Yuanping Lu

    (Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
    Center for International Cooperation and Disciplinary Innovation of Income Distribution and Public Finance (111 Center))

  • Yuetong Li

    (Zhongnan University of Economics and Law)

  • Yi Chen

    (Hubei University of Economics)

  • Jonathan Hamilton

    (Hubei University of Economics)

Abstract

Addressing gender inequality to enhance women’s welfare remains a critical global issue. Son preference, a significant dimension of such inequality, deserves in-depth study for its impact on girls’ subjective well-being. From the lens of intra-household resource allocation, using China Family Panel Studies (2010–2018), this research explores the relationship between son preference and elder sisters’ life satisfaction by comparing those with a brother versus a sister. We find elder sisters with a brother report 0.113 lower life satisfaction (on a 5-point scale), equivalent to a reduction of roughly 6% of a standard deviation. This effect is pronounced in rural areas, among parents with lower education, and when the age gap is under five years. Our analysis suggests that unequal intra-household resource allocation—manifested through these girls receiving 0.244 fewer years of education and facing higher undernutrition risks—may help explain this observed relationship. Our study contributes to understanding of intra-household gender inequality, offering potential policy insights.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanping Lu & Yuetong Li & Yi Chen & Jonathan Hamilton, 2025. "Son Preference and Elder Sisters’ Subjective Well-being: Inequality in Intra-household Resource Allocation," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(7), pages 1-26, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:7:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00956-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00956-7
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