The Digital Economy and Gender Disparities in Rural Non-Agricultural Employment: Challenges or Opportunities for Sustainable Development?

Wentao Li and Yun Chen ()
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Wentao Li: School of Insurance and Economics, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing 100029, China
Yun Chen: China School of Banking and Finance, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing 100029, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-20

Abstract: The digital economy is emerging as a transformative force for advancing inclusive sustainable development in rural China, particularly in addressing gender disparities in non-agricultural employment. Using the Digital Inclusive Finance Index and China Family Panel Studies data, this paper analyzes the digital economy’s impact on the gender gap in rural non-agricultural employment. It finds that the digital economy boosts women’s employment and wage, narrowing the gap. This effect is more obvious among groups with medium-high human capital, younger people, married people, and those with kids. The digital economy narrows the gap through the following three mechanisms: reshaping skill demands, reducing info-search cost, and promoting domestic labor socialization. It is an engine for growth and a force for gender equality in rural employment.

Keywords: digital economy; non-agricultural employment; gender gap; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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