The Health and Mortality Disadvantage of Never-Married Male in China: Profiles, Causes, and Implications

Haili Liang, South  China  University  of  Technology
Zhen Guo, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Shuzhuo Li, Xi'an Jiaotong University
Shripad Tuljapurkar, Stanford University

This study examines health and mortality disadvantage faced by Chinese never-married males using healthy life expectancy as a measure of well-being and longevity. The results indicate stark disparities: never-married males face poorer health and slower progress in well-being. They have shorter, less healthy lives compared to their married counterparts, especially in rural areas. Conversely, men with higher education levels enjoy longer, healthier lives. These gaps stem from multiple factors, including gender imbalance. Men with lower education and worse health face higher chances of rejection in the marriage arena. The absence of marriage heightens their vulnerability due to societal norms, policies, and family dynamics, potentially leading to psychological strain and social stigma. Long-term projections anticipate a rise in Chinese never-married males. Yet, factoring in the mortality gaps, this increase will be more gradual. This suggests that the mortality disadvantage for never-married males will shape future marriage market dynamics in China.

Keywords: Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Mortality and Longevity, Population projections, forecasts, and estimations, Health and Morbidity

See paper.