Provided is a method for producing water-absorbent resin particles, which is capable of improving the gel strength for the purpose of achieving a good balance between the absorption under load and the rate of liquid permeation through gel. The present invention is a method for producing water-absorbent resin particles, which is characterized by comprising a step wherein a monomer composition containing a water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) and/or a vinyl monomer (a2) that turns into a water-soluble vinyl monomer (a1) by means of hydrolysis and a crosslinking agent (b) is polymerized in the presence of at least one organic main group element compound selected from the group consisting of organic iodine compounds, organic tellurium compounds, organic antimony compounds, and organic bismuth compounds.
