Study Suggests Two Daughters Lead to Highest Parental Happiness
Research from China indicates a 'daughter advantage' in parental well-being, with specific findings for families with two daughters.
A recent study suggests that parents with two daughters experience the highest levels of happiness, a phenomenon researchers are calling a "daughter advantage." The findings emerged from an analysis of previous surveys on parenthood and happiness conducted in China.
Scientists from Zhejiang Gongshang University examined six waves of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), a nationally representative survey from 2012 to 2021 that included over 49,000 respondents. The survey collected data on happiness, parental status, the number of children, and the gender composition of offspring.
The study found a positive association between having only daughters and parental happiness, with the strongest link observed among middle-aged parents with two daughters. Examples of prominent figures with two daughters include the Obama family and actors Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes.
Researchers proposed two primary theories for this observed phenomenon. The first is gender role theory, which posits that societal norms and upbringing influence how individuals express emotions and build relationships. According to this theory, women are often socialized to be more emotionally expressive and focused on interpersonal connections, while men may be socialized towards emotional restraint.
The second theory is 'kinkeeping,' the labor involved in maintaining family ties and emotional bonds across generations. This role has historically been disproportionately undertaken by women, particularly daughters. The study suggests that daughters are more likely to initiate contact, offer emotional support, and act as confidants for their aging parents.
While the study's findings are significant, the researchers emphasize that the study was conducted solely on individuals in China. They note that these findings may differ in other cultural contexts. The research aims to deepen the understanding of how family composition relates to quality of life and to provide empirical evidence for the pursuit of happiness within Chinese families, considering societal changes, cultural norms, and individual choices.