Unequal Beginnings: Socioeconomic Disparities in Rural Under-Five Survival Rates

Despite economic progress since 1990, under-five survival rates in rural China remain a concern,with limited understanding of how both parents’ socioeconomic status (SES) influences theseoutcomes. This study analyzes individual-level micro-data from the 2000 Chinese Census derivedfrom IPUMS International, using OLS and negative binomial regressions, to examine how boththe mother’s and father’s education and off-farm employment relate to under-five survival rates inrural China among mothers first married between 1995 and 2000. Findings show that while bothparents’ SES positively relate to rural under-five survival, mother’s education is the strongestpredictor, surpassing mother’s employment and father’s education. Further analysis of the 2010Chinese Census data reveals a narrowing survival gap by parental education but a persistent effectof paternal employment. These findings underscore the combined impact of maternal educationand paternal off-farm income on child health disparities in rural China. Expanding access toaffordable, quality secondary or higher education for rural mothers is crucial to reducing survivalinequalities, as many leave school early and face risky childbearing due to limited income,healthcare access, and health knowledge. Strengthening educational opportunities can help breakcycles of disadvantage and improve rural under-five survival outcomes.