One Child Policy
Background
In 1950s, the then leader Mao Tse-Tung urged his people to strengthen the nation by having more children. This led to birthrates of over 4 children per family. However, at the same time Mao’s failed economic policies and measures caused a severe food shortage. During this time, 30 million Chinese died of man-made famine.
By 1970s, the Chinese Government realized the unsustainable growth due to rising population. Despite the birth rate falling below 3 children per family by this time, the new individuals in power believed that curbing population growth would ultimately lead to greater economic prosperity. This mindset resulted in a coercive policy that was created in 1979 – a policy so powerful that it impacted the most intimate aspect of every Chinese citizen’s life.
The policy states that
• Each couple was allowed just one child and must apply for a certificate before they were allowed to have a child.
• They were permitted to have second child if their first child was female.
• Families who adhered to these laws received benefits such as childcare, access to education for all and healthcare services.
Issues with enforcing the policy
• Any family who had more than a …show more content…
At present, the extended family includes more distant uncles and aunts, cousins as opposed to large families (which provided a basis for entrepreneurial support or financial support – by old age, the family becomes a burden to support). By the middle of this century, more than a quarter of China’s population will be over 65 and it will be at this point if not sooner that the young generation will face this unprecedented burden of responsibility and care. This is called the 4-2-1 problem, which means that each child is most likely to have to take care of their parents and possibly, both their
Background
In 1950s, the then leader Mao Tse-Tung urged his people to strengthen the nation by having more children. This led to birthrates of over 4 children per family. However, at the same time Mao’s failed economic policies and measures caused a severe food shortage. During this time, 30 million Chinese died of man-made famine.
By 1970s, the Chinese Government realized the unsustainable growth due to rising population. Despite the birth rate falling below 3 children per family by this time, the new individuals in power believed that curbing population growth would ultimately lead to greater economic prosperity. This mindset resulted in a coercive policy that was created in 1979 – a policy so powerful that it impacted the most intimate aspect of every Chinese citizen’s life.
The policy states that
• Each couple was allowed just one child and must apply for a certificate before they were allowed to have a child.
• They were permitted to have second child if their first child was female.
• Families who adhered to these laws received benefits such as childcare, access to education for all and healthcare services.
Issues with enforcing the policy
• Any family who had more than a …show more content…
At present, the extended family includes more distant uncles and aunts, cousins as opposed to large families (which provided a basis for entrepreneurial support or financial support – by old age, the family becomes a burden to support). By the middle of this century, more than a quarter of China’s population will be over 65 and it will be at this point if not sooner that the young generation will face this unprecedented burden of responsibility and care. This is called the 4-2-1 problem, which means that each child is most likely to have to take care of their parents and possibly, both their