Education,First Marriage Age,and Fertility Level——Based on the Perspective of Gender Differences in the Eligible Population
Education has driven socio-economic development and progress,yet the impact of education levels on marriage and fertility rates among the eligible population remains insuffi-ciently examined.This study employs empirical analysis using data from the Chinese General Social Survey(CGSS)spanning 2003 to 2017 to investigate how education levels influence marriage and fertility decisions across different gender groups.The findings reveal that,first,the current increase in education levels among the eligible population in China suppresses both marriage and fertility behaviors,with a slightly stronger suppressive effect on males than females.Second,regional economic development mitigates the negative educational gradient relationship with marriage and fertility,weakening the impact of education on traditional rural marriage systems and the notion of"continuing the family line".Third,labor market shocks have led to a reversal in the educational gradient relationship with fertility,changing from negative to positive.Fourth,rising education levels can delay the age of first marriage,thereby influencing fertility rates,with the negative educational gradient effect on marriage and fertility being stronger for males than females.This article provides multiple analytical perspectives on the phenomenon of"older unmarried men and women"and the ongoing lukewarm response to fertility policies in China.
Eligible PopulationEducationFirst Marriage AgeFertility
万方数据
