Does the rise of robotic technology reduce fertility? longitudinal evidence from China

Haiyang Lu, Keya Zeng and Weiliang Hu ()
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Haiyang Lu: Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
Keya Zeng: Southwestern University of Finance and Economics
Weiliang Hu: Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

Review of Economics of the Household, 2025, vol. 23, issue 4, No 8, 1400 pages

Abstract: Abstract This paper investigates the effect of robot exposure on fertility using longitudinal data from four waves of the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) spanning 2013–2019, combined with data from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Our analysis consistently demonstrates that robot exposure correlates with a decline in fertility rates, particularly among individuals aged 16–24, 40–50, those with lower to middle skill levels, and manufacturing sector workers. Furthermore, we explore how labor market outcomes, marital behavior, educational attainment, and fertility intentions may mediate the relationship between robot exposure and fertility behaviors. These findings contribute to the growing literature on the social and demographic impacts of technological advancements, highlighting the complex pathways through which automation reshapes fertility.

Keywords: Automation; Industrial robots; Fertility; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11150-025-09761-w

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