Son Preference and Elder Sisters’ Subjective Well-being: Inequality in Intra-household Resource Allocation

Yuanping Lu, Yuetong Li, Yi Chen () and Jonathan Hamilton
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Yuanping Lu: Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
Yuetong Li: Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
Yi Chen: Hubei University of Economics
Jonathan Hamilton: Hubei University of Economics

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2025, vol. 26, issue 7, No 12, 26 pages

Abstract: Abstract Addressing gender inequality to enhance women’s welfare remains a critical global issue. Son preference, a significant dimension of such inequality, deserves in-depth study for its impact on girls’ subjective well-being. From the lens of intra-household resource allocation, using China Family Panel Studies (2010–2018), this research explores the relationship between son preference and elder sisters’ life satisfaction by comparing those with a brother versus a sister. We find elder sisters with a brother report 0.113 lower life satisfaction (on a 5-point scale), equivalent to a reduction of roughly 6% of a standard deviation. This effect is pronounced in rural areas, among parents with lower education, and when the age gap is under five years. Our analysis suggests that unequal intra-household resource allocation—manifested through these girls receiving 0.244 fewer years of education and facing higher undernutrition risks—may help explain this observed relationship. Our study contributes to understanding of intra-household gender inequality, offering potential policy insights.

Keywords: Gender inequality; Intra-household resources; Life satisfaction; I31; J16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00956-7

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