Livelihood Choices, Gender and Fertility in Rural China

Previous studies on rural-to-urban migration and fertility mainly show that migration negatively impacts fertility. Theoretical perspectives explain this through disruption, assimilation, and self-selection. However, the reference group is often unclear, and it's uncertain whether men and women respond differently. This study contributes to the literature by extending the focus to distant migration, local non-farm, and farm livelihoods, examining how shifts among these choices affect men's and women's fertility desires. Additionally, we explore how gender role attitudes and within-family gender bargaining power can mediate or moderate the relationship between livelihood choices and fertility. Data will be from 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2022 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Preliminary results from the China Family Panel Studies are unavailable due to a delay in the CFPS 2022 data. This proposed study will contribute to theoretical debates on low fertility in less developed settings and has important policy implications by providing insights into why rural people are becoming less inclined to have multiple children, despite cultural traditions favoring larger families.