Out-Migration of Young Adults and Gender Division of Intergenerational Support in Rural China

Using data from the baseline and follow-up surveys of Well-Being of Elderly in Anhui Province, China, conducted in 2001, 2003, and 2006 by the Institute for Population and Development Studies of Xi’an Jiaotong University, the authors use random-effects models to explore the gender division of intergenerational support of the elderly in rural families. Analyses by parents’ and children’s gender suggest that there are gender differences in intergenerational support because of gender roles and divisions in families. The analysis shows that older mothers receive more returns, which reciprocates their support, while older fathers benefit more from the out-migration of adult children. Although sons take more responsibility for family support, daughters reciprocate support from their elderly parents more. Enhancement of the role and function of daughters in families has accompanied the out-migration of young adults and suggests that gender differences in intergenerational support between sons and daughters have decreased.