As China ages, another consequence looms for women and housework
The results of China’s 2020 population census once again highlight the further ageing of its population. The proportion of senior citizens (those aged 60 and older) reached 18.7 per cent – a considerable 5.44 percentage-point increase compared to the previous census in 2010.
The looming consequences of this significant demographic trend have become a focus of debate, particularly in terms of how it may affect China’s labour supply, economic growth and the aged care system. Less attention has been paid to how this trend is likely to affect the country’s vast gender inequality.
Despite many radical changes since the 1978 economic reforms, China remains a highly patriarchal society. The gendered division of domestic work persists, with women still shouldering the lion’s share.