Fertility trends in china's more developed urban districts: the case of four cities

Abstract

This research examines fertility trends in more developed urban districts in China, and provides empirical evidence which enhances our theoretical understanding of fertility. The research uses the study areas of Shanghai, Beijing, Changchun and Shenyang, with the assumption that these cities might provide insights into future fertility trends in China. Data were collected using survey questionnaires and face-to-face and telephone interviews. Participants and their parents reported their demographic characteristics and reproductive desires, and the reasons behind their decisions. Selected participants and family planning officials and workers were interviewed to check the reliability of the information provided on the surveys and to further examine explanations for fertility decline. The research found major differences in demographic characteristics and behaviours between generations and among different demographic groups and the four cities. Very low fertility and reproductive desire were found in these places, together with a high proportion of childless families and a high male/female sex ratio. Career pressure and financial constraints were found to be more important than the one-child policy in explaining these trends. These findings generally agree with local reports and publications and common explanations of fertility change in developed countries. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.