As China grapples with a declining population, the National Health Commission (NHC) has launched a comprehensive survey aimed at understanding the root causes behind the growing reluctance to have children. This survey will delve into factors influencing attitudes towards childbearing, specifically targeting the “fear of having children,” which has become a significant concern for the government as it seeks to reverse the trend of a shrinking population.
A Nationwide Effort to Address Childbearing Reluctance
The survey will involve 30,000 participants across 150 counties and 1,500 communities throughout China, according to the state-backed Global Times. Conducted by the China Population and Development Research Center, the research will collect data on social, economic, and emotional factors that contribute to the hesitation many young couples feel towards starting families. The insights gathered from this study will inform future policy measures, with the goal of offering fertility support and introducing incentives to encourage higher birth-rates.
Urgency Following Population Decline
China has seen its population decline for two consecutive years, raising alarm bells about the long-term consequences on the nation’s workforce, economy, and social structure. In 2023, the country recorded another year of population decline, intensifying the need for immediate action. This survey marks a proactive step toward addressing these issues and follows the last nationwide fertility survey, which was conducted in 2021. Alongside this new initiative, the National Bureau of Statistics is also conducting a sample survey from October to November 2024 to monitor changes in population trends.
Shifting Cultural Attitudes
Chinese authorities are keenly aware that reversing the population decline will require more than just financial incentives—it will also involve shifting cultural attitudes towards marriage and childbearing. In September, health officials emphasized the need for promoting marriage and childbirth at “appropriate ages” and called for shared parenting responsibilities between men and women. This push seeks to challenge traditional gender roles and ease the burdens placed on mothers, encouraging young couples to embrace family life with a more positive mindset.
The Path Ahead
As the country seeks to rejuvenate its population, the survey represents an essential step in understanding the practical and psychological barriers that prevent couples from having children. From rising living costs to concerns about work-life balance, China’s younger generation faces numerous challenges in making the decision to start a family. By addressing these concerns head-on and fostering a more supportive environment for families, the government hopes to stabilize its population and ensure long-term growth.
In the coming months, the results of this survey will likely shape the next wave of policy initiatives, providing targeted solutions to one of China’s most pressing demographic challenges. The findings will also help guide strategies aimed at building a more balanced, family-friendly society, where the fear of parenthood no longer overshadows the country’s future growth.
(With inputs from agencies)
