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Does the sex ratio at sexual maturity affect men's later-life mortality risks? Evidence from historical China.

ABSTRACT: This study examines the relationship between the male-to-female sex ratio (measured as the proportion male) at sexual maturity and later-life mortality risks in the context of pre-industrial northeast China, using registration data from the Qing Dynasty. We find that a higher male-to-female sex ratio at sexual maturity is associated with a higher later-life mortality risk among men. This association is likely due to the long-term adverse consequences of stress caused by low mate availability at sexual maturity. We further find that a high sex ratio at sexual maturity mitigates the health benefits of marriage and exacerbates the health disadvantages of holding an official position in Qing China.

SUBMITTER: Zang E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6458052 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Does the sex ratio at sexual maturity affect men's later-life mortality risks? Evidence from historical China.

Zang Emma E Zheng Hui H

Social science & medicine (1982) 20180224

This study examines the relationship between the male-to-female sex ratio (measured as the proportion male) at sexual maturity and later-life mortality risks in the context of pre-industrial northeast China, using registration data from the Qing Dynasty. We find that a higher male-to-female sex ratio at sexual maturity is associated with a higher later-life mortality risk among men. This association is likely due to the long-term adverse consequences of stress caused by low mate availability at ...[more]

PMID: 29510303

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