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Do Daughters Change Their Fathers? Evidence from the first-daughter effect in Japan

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  • Daina CHIBA
  • Yoshikuni ONO

Abstract

Research in advanced democracies documents the “first-daughter effect,†whereby fathers of firstborn daughters express more egalitarian views on gender roles. However, evidence from non-Western contexts remains scarce and inconclusive. This study examines whether the first-daughter effect holds in Japan, a country characterized by stable democratic institutions but enduring gender inequality. Using nationally representative survey data from 2000 to 2018 and quasi-random assignment of first child sex, we demonstrate that Japanese fathers with firstborn daughters exhibit significantly more gender-egalitarian attitudes. They also express greater support for gender equality policy reforms. These effects are confined to gender-related domains and do not extend to broader political ideology. Raising daughters can reshape core political attitudes, even within culturally conservative settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Daina CHIBA & Yoshikuni ONO, 2025. "Do Daughters Change Their Fathers? Evidence from the first-daughter effect in Japan," Discussion papers 25104, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:25104
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    1. Jennings, M. Kent & Niemi, Richard G., 1968. "The Transmission of Political Values from Parent to Child," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 62(1), pages 169-184, March.
    2. Clayton, Amanda & de Kadt, Daniel & Dumas, Natasha, 2023. "Daughters Do Not Affect Political Beliefs in a New Democracy," Journal of Experimental Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 10(1), pages 137-147, March.
    3. Eleanor Jawon Choi & Jisoo Hwang, 2015. "Child Gender and Parental Inputs: No More Son Preference in Korea?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 105(5), pages 638-643, May.
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