Higher sex ratio at sexual maturity is linked to higher later-life male mortality, likely due to stress caused by low mate availability

Does the sex ratio at sexual maturity affect Men's later-life mortality risks? Evidence from historical China. Emma Zang, Hui Zheng. Social Science & Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.02.024

Highlights
•    Higher sex ratio at sexual maturity is linked to higher later-life male mortality.
•    This association is likely due to stress caused by low mate availability.
•    A high sex ratio at sexual maturity mitigates the health benefits of marriage.
•    A high sex ratio at sexual maturity exacerbates health disadvantages.

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.

Keywords: Sex ratio at sexual maturity; Mortality risks; Life course