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Research ArticleArticles

Gender of Children, Bargaining Power, and Intrahousehold Resource Allocation in China

Lixing Li and Xiaoyu Wu
Journal of Human Resources, March 2011, 46 (2) 295-316; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.46.2.295
Lixing Li
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Xiaoyu Wu
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Abstract

Based on the prevalent son preference in China, this paper proposes a new measure of relative bargaining power within the household. Using data from China Health and Nutrition Survey, we show that a woman with a first-born son has a 3.9 percentage points’ greater role in household decision-making than a woman with a first-born daughter. Having a first-born son improves the mother’s nutrition intakes and reduces her likelihood of being underweight. While thinking of these impacts as being channeled through intrahousehold bargaining power, we cannot fully rule out other possible direct effects of a first-born son on the outcomes.

  • Received September 2009.
  • Accepted April 2010.
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Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 46, Issue 2
31 Mar 2011
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Gender of Children, Bargaining Power, and Intrahousehold Resource Allocation in China
Lixing Li, Xiaoyu Wu
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2011, 46 (2) 295-316; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.46.2.295

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Gender of Children, Bargaining Power, and Intrahousehold Resource Allocation in China
Lixing Li, Xiaoyu Wu
Journal of Human Resources Mar 2011, 46 (2) 295-316; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.46.2.295
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • I. Introduction
    • II. Son Preference and Possible Effects of Having a Son
    • III. Data
    • IV. Impact of Having a First-Born Son on Women’s Bargaining Power
    • V. Impact of Having a First-Born Son on Women’s Nutrition and Health
    • VI. Conclusion
    • Footnotes
    • References
  • Figures & Data
  • Info & Metrics
  • References
  • PDF

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