How Does the Policy Implementation of Expanding Enrollment in Higher Education Affect the Fertility Rates of Residents?Effects and Mechanisms
Population is a foundational,comprehensive,and strategic factor in China's modernization development.However,China's population development is characterized by a trend of"low fertility".This paper attempts to provide a potential explanation for China's low fertility rate dilemma from the perspective of higher education.Based on the data of the China General Social Survey(CGSS),and using the 1999"Higher Education Expansion"policy as a quasi-natural experiment,this study employs the Difference-in-Differences(DID)method to examine the impact of the policy of expanding the enrollment of higher education on the fertility rates of Chinese residents.The analysis results indicate that higher education expansion has a significant negative impact on the fertility counts of residents,with this negative effect being more pronounced among residents with urban household registration and those engaged in"non-state sector"employment.Mechanism analysis reveals that this policy suppresses residents'fertility counts by directly raising educational levels,and indirectly by altering expectations of old-age support from children,extending working hours,delaying marriage age,increasing mate selection standards,and enhancing gender equality awareness.The findings of this study offer policy implications for the high-quality development of China's population and the adjustment of fertility policies.
Higher Education ExpansionFertility RatesHigh-quality Population DevelopmentLow Fertility Rates
万方数据
维普
