The Influence of Parental Educational Attainment on Offspring’s Age at First Marriage Based on Data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS)

In recent years, the postponement of the age at first marriage has emerged as a prominent social trend, reflecting shifting marital attitudes among individuals of marriageable age. This shift is closely linked to the educational attainment of parents. Using data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS), this study employs empirical methods to investigate the influence of parental education on the age at their offspring’s first marriage. The findings reveal that higher parental educational attainment is associated with a later age at first marriage for their children, with gender role perceptions, fertility intentions, and social networks identified as significant mediators in this process. Furthermore, the effect of parental education on the age at first marriage is more pronounced in urban areas than in rural areas. Against the backdrop of rising parental education levels with societal progress, this study underscores the importance of promoting urban-rural integration, enhancing social networks for the youth, refining fertility policies, and advocating for gender equality to rationalize the timing of first marriage.