Population policy-China

Question 1

What was China’s One-Child Policy and why was it introduced?

Answer 1

Introduced in 1979, the One-Child Policy was a population control measure aimed at slowing rapid population growth to reduce pressure on resources, services, and economic development. Couples were restricted to one child, with permits, fines, and punishments for non-compliance.
Exceptions were made for ethnic minorities, rural families (if the first child was a girl), and parents with disabilities or if one parent was an only child.

Question 2

What were the key demographic and social impacts of the One-Child Policy?

Answer 2

• Fertility rate fell from 5.8 (1976) to 1.6–1.7 (2015) — below replacement level.
  
  • Gender imbalance: ~34 million more men than women by 2020 due to male preference.
  • Aging population: rising dependency ratio, fewer youth to support elderly.
  • Labor shortages: shrinking working-age population threatens economic growth.
  • Marriage imbalance: difficulties for rural men to find partners.

Question 3

What long-term problems arose from the One-Child Policy, and how did China respond?

Answer 3

• Dependency ratio increased: fewer workers per elderly person.
  
  • Strain on healthcare and pension systems.
  • Policy reforms:
  • 2016: Two-child policy introduced
  • 2021: Three-child policy allowed
    Despite reforms, fertility rate remains low (1.7 in 2024), due to economic pressures, urban lifestyle, and childcare costs. China now faces natural population decline