Another measure that has been taken out to tackle problems of overpopulation is implementing the one-child policy. This is a more direct way of tackling the problem.

Implemented in 1981, the one-child policy restricts all Chinese couples to having only one child, with exception for the minorities, some rural families and couples where both parents are only child for their own family. Those who have more than one child are advised to abort the second child or be prepared to face several social disadvantages like loss of employment. The main objective of the policy is to lower the population of China by birth control. This is so that living conditions can get better, and degradation of land and resources will be eased.

Decades later, the results of one-child policy in China showed. Indeed, the number of newborns are lesser in the new generation compared to the older generation. If this demographic momentum continues, China’s population will begin to decrease and reach an equilibrium. However, there are several problems linked to the decrease in number of newborns.

Firstly, it is the demographic of the society. There is a huge gender gap due to the gender bias that is in the Chinese culture. As the couple can only have one child, they would want a son as sons will pass down the family’s name, in China’s culture. Thus, when daughters are being born, they will be killed. This resulted in having 18 million more men than women now. The gender disparity will further widen as the babies grow up to be men and women. In 2020, it was projected that there will be 30 million more men than women. This pose a social issue as women will be left over as there are not enough men in the country to wed all the women.

Also, there is a serious aging problem in China. By 2050, the number of people above the age of 65 will make up a quarter of the Chinese population. This is a result of a rapidly greying population.

The 4-2-1 family phenomenon. Extracted from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-19630110

One child who grows up will have to take care of both of his parents and 4 of his grandparents because when the parents get old and retire, the burden of all the elderly rests on the shoulders of the young one. Thus, this will cause great emotional stress and lowered quality of life.

Source:

Population Control and Consequences in China

If You Are Not Married By 25, You Are A ‘Leftover Woman’ In China

Ageing China: Changes and challenges