0
0
China is grappling with a population crisis, as birthrates continue to plummet for the second consecutive year in 2023. In an effort to reverse this trend, the National Health Commission has launched a nationwide survey targeting 30,000 individuals to explore the factors shaping attitudes toward parenthood. The findings from this survey will help guide the development of fertility support programs and policies to encourage young couples to have more children.
This initiative comes at a time of growing concern about the country’s shrinking population. The survey will cover a diverse group of participants, spanning 150 counties and 1,500 communities. It is designed to capture a wide range of perspectives on childbearing and will aim to identify the fears, anxieties, and financial pressures that may be discouraging young couples from starting families.
Beijing’s emphasis on natality is not new. Previous surveys, such as one conducted in 2021, highlighted the declining birthrate and its implications for China’s workforce and economy. However, the latest effort signals a more targeted approach to addressing the issue. The data gathered will inform future policies aimed at alleviating the burdens associated with parenthood, including the costs of education, healthcare, and housing.
Chinese health officials are emphasizing the importance of marriage and childbearing at appropriate ages, while advocating for shared parental responsibilities between men and women. This push reflects the broader societal changes needed to foster a more supportive environment for families, where both parents can balance career aspirations with family life.
Beijing’s effort to rejuvenate population growth will likely involve a combination of financial incentives, extended maternity and paternity leave, and improved access to childcare. Policymakers hope that such measures, informed by the results of the current survey, will help reverse the declining birthrate and stabilize the population for the future.
As China’s aging population grows and the labor force shrinks, the country’s long-term economic prospects are closely tied to the success of these natality policies. Addressing the root causes of declining birthrates is now more urgent than ever, as China seeks to ensure a stable and prosperous future for generations to come.
