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Estimating county-level fertility ideals and intentions in China

Bibliographic Data

ID3712239
AuthorsDonghui Wang (0000-0002-5403-7947), Yongai Jin (0000-0001-6534-2544), Tao Liu (0000-0001-5480-2568)
Year2025
Volume53
Pages525-568
Publication date2025-09-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDemographic Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1435-9871 • E-ISSN: 2363-7064
PublisherMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.4054/demres.2025.53.18
OpenAlexW4414272956
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited82

BACKGROUNDUnderstanding China's persistent low fertility requires detailed information regarding fertility attitudes at a finer geographic scale.However, data on fertility preferences at appropriate spatial resolutions are often unavailable. OBJECTIVEThis study aims to estimate county-level fertility ideals and intentions in China. METHODSThis study employs the multilevel regression and post-stratification method to estimate county-level fertility ideals and intentions.Fertility ideals and intentions data are drawn from a large national fertility survey, while post-stratification data come from the 2020 population census.The estimates are internally validated using a split sample approach and externally validated against independent national and regional surveys. RESULTSThe estimates reveal that the county-level average ideal number of children for women of reproductive age is 1.98 (ranging from 1.29 to 3.78), while the average for the intended number of children is 1.81, with a broader range (1.02 to 3.96).The spatial distribution of fertility ideals exhibits a north-south contrast, suggesting cultural influences on family norms.Fertility intentions show coastal-inland disparities, underscoring socioeconomic conditions.Within-province variations are no less than between-province variations

China · Fertility · Multilevel model · Population · Socioeconomic status · Survey data collection · Total fertility rate · Demographic Trends and Gender Preferences · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

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Unique citing works1
Citations per year1
Citation span2026 - 2026 (1)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 1

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