How the Elder Siblings Shape Young Children’s Non-Cognitive Abilities? Evidence from Metropolitan Areas in China

Ying Li, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
Qingyang Kang, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
Jian Zhang, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

With the progress of urbanization in China and the comprehensive implementation of the Three-Child policy, previously less prominent sibling effect under the One-Child policy may now emerge in urban areas. Based on this, this study utilizes survey data from the Wuhan Birth Cohort Studies (2021-2022) and employs quantitative analysis methods to estimate the sibling effects on the non-cognitive skills of infants and toddlers in a Chinese metropolitan area. The analysis found that infants and toddlers with elder siblings exhibit better non-cognitive development, likely due to increased parenting experience. Same-gender siblings significantly benefit non-cognitive development because of stronger sibling relationships, particularly when the age gap is 3-6 years. Additionally, the “sister effect” further enhances these benefits; in lower socioeconomic families or those impacted by major public health events, the sibling effect significantly improves non-cognitive development in infants and toddlers. This research not only expands our understanding of sibling effects within the context of China’s evolving fertility policies but also highlights the significant impact of sibling structure on early non-cognitive development. The findings provide valuable insights for enhancing family parenting strategies and shaping policies aimed at promoting early childhood development.

Keywords: Human Capital, Education, and Work, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Families, Unions and Households, Population and Development

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