중국 여성의 정치적 대표성의 영향 요인에 관한 연구

Abstract

Abstract This study conducts an empirical investigation into the key determinants of women's political representation in China, drawing on annual panel data from 31 provincial-level administrative units spanning the years 1993 to 2024. In contrast to prior research that has predominantly centered on theoretical discourse or narrowly defined single-factor analyses, this study adopts a multidimensional approach by systematically examining the structural influences of cultural, economic, educational, and familial factors on women's political representation. The study employs a fixed-effects panel regression model, setting the proportion of female delegates in the National People's Congress as the dependent variable. Eight explanatory variables are included: sex ratio at birth, divorce rate, female labor force participation rate, per capita GDP, women's educational attainment, average years of schooling, average household size, and dependency ratio. Additionally, three control variables—urban and rural Engel coefficients and population density—are incorporated to account for external influences. To enhance the robustness and credibility of the analysis, the study utilizes not only the baseline model but also a five-year interval model, regional heterogeneity analysis, and an alternative model excluding periods of economic crisis and pandemic. The analysis reveals that among the economic factors, both the female labor force participation rate and per capita GDP exhibit a statistically significant positive relationship with women’s political representation. In contrast, cultural variables such as the sex ratio at birth and divorce rate are not statistically significant. Educational indicators show no consistent directional effect, while familial factors—including the dependency ratio and average household size—demonstrate a negative influence on representation. The heterogeneity analysis further confirms that the effects of economic factors are particularly pronounced in western regions, and that urban–rural consumption structures have differentiated impacts on women’s political representation. This study contributes to the empirical understanding of the multidimensional structural factors shaping women's political representation. By identifying these influences, the research provides a theoretical and data-driven foundation for improving gender-sensitive political institutions and designing regionally tailored policy interventions in the future. Keywords: women's political representation, panel data analysis, fixed-effects model, patriarchy, educational attainment, family structure