A method for producing a water-absorbent resin including the step of subjecting a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer to a reversed phase suspension polymerization in a petroleum hydrocarbon dispersion medium in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator and a dispersion stabilizer, wherein the method is characterized by the use of an ether-ester type nonionic surfactant as the dispersion stabilizer, and a water-absorbent resin obtained by the method, wherein the water-absorbent resin has a water-retention capacity of saline solution of 25 g/g or more, a water-absorption rate of saline solution of 50 seconds or less, and a flow index under moisture absorption of 70% or more. According to the method of the present invention, a water-absorbent resin having high water-retention capacity, excellent water-absorption rate, and further having excellent flowability under moisture absorption can be produced. The water-absorbent resin having the specified physical properties as described above can enhance properties of hygienic materials, and the resin can be suitably used in the production of the hygienic materials.
