Urbanization and Human Capital: Early Childhood Development in Rural China

doi:10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2020.06.007

Abstract

Abstract: Human capital is an important driver of economic growth in the process of urbanization. It is important to improve early childhood development (ECD) since ECD is essential for human capital accumulation. In the process of human capital accumulation, parenting practices play a very important role in ECD. Using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III (BSID-III) and household survey form, we examine the rates of developmental delays among 6-36 months old infant/toddler in four major types of rural communities in China. We also explore the relationship between parenting practices and ECD. The results show that: 1) the shares of developmental delays are high in our samples; 2) only a small share of caregivers engages in the interactive parenting practices with their infant/toddler; 3) interactive parenting practices are significantly and negatively associated with developmental delays. Under the background of urbanization, early childhood development in rural communities urgently requires more attention if China hopes to build up enough human capital towards a high-income economy.

Key words: urbanization, human capital, ECD, parenting practices

Zhang Siqi, Shi Yaojiang, Wang Lei, Yang Ning, Liu Buyao, Dang Ruirui, Bai Yu. Urbanization and Human Capital: Early Childhood Development in Rural China[J]. Journal of East China Normal University(Educational Sciences), 2020, 38(6): 102-115.

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