One Child Policy - China

What are 3 key population stats for China regarding the One Child Policy?

• Introduced in 1979, ended in 2016 (relaxed in 1999)

• Fertility rate fell from 5.7 (1970) to 1.18 today

• Population rose from 822 million (1970) to 1.3 billion

What were the main rules of the One Child Policy?

• Urban families limited to 1 child

• Rural exceptions if 1st child was disabled or a girl

How did the government encourage people to comply with the policy?

• Rewards: free education, healthcare, better housing

• Punishments: fines based on income

How was the policy enforced in China?

• “Granny Police” monitored neighborhoods

• Forced sterilizations/abortions in extreme cases

What other features of the policy affected family planning?

• Government provided free contraceptives

• Male preference led to female infanticide and abortions

What led to the introduction of the One Child Policy?

• After WWII, China encouraged births to build a military

• But overpopulation led to food shortages and famine fears

Why was controlling population growth seen as necessary?

• More people meant fewer resources, rising poverty risks

• Urgent need to control demand on food, water, jobs

How effective was the policy in controlling population?

• Prevented approx. 400 million births

• Led to better access to food and public services

How did the policy affect China's population structure?

• Rapidly ageing population: over 28% will be 60+ by 2040 (WHO)

• Shrinking workforce, affecting economic growth

What was a major social consequence of the One Child Policy?

• 2020: 34.9 million more males than females

• Caused by cultural son preference & gender-selective abortions

What are some criticisms of the One Child Policy?

• Reports of forced abortions and sterilizations

• Psychological and emotional stress for families