Family Planning In China Research Articles

Sex Preference, Fertility, and Family Planning in China

Sex Preference, Fertility, and Family Planning in China

The Population of China

80% of Chinas population live in the rural areas of the country and the demographic trends in this very large social group have a considerable significance for both China and the world as a whole. In many economically developing countries the rate of population growth has fallen faster among the educated urban population than it has among the peasantry. The peasant economy encourages population growth: many children provide many hands to work the small plot of land the typical peasant family owns or rents. Children also ensure that the land will be worked when the parents are old. Although the collectivization of agriculture that followed the Communist revolution removed much of the economic incentive for large families on the farm the rate of population growth remained high because profamily cultural attitudes persisted. Not until after the death of Mao Zedong in 1976 was the control of demographic growth pursued vigorously as an official policy. The political structure of Chinese society is such that policy decisions can be quickly implemented. Consequently the rate of population increase has declined faster in China that it has in any other large economically developing country. Contrary to the experience of many developing countries the reductions in the birthrate have occurred in rural areas as well as in the cities. The decrease in the rate at which the population is growing is on the whole beneficial to a developing country a rapid decline in the birthrate has significant social costs. The official position of the Chinese government is that the largest population China can support is 1.2 billion or 200 million more than the population counted in the most recent census (taken in 1982). A table shows projections of the effect of an immediate birthrate decrease to a level commensurate with an ultimate constant population of 1.2 billion. The projections show that such a rate could have at least 2 implications: in the middle of the 21st century there will be a disadvantageous distribution of the Chinese population according to age and a relatively small group of workers will be supporting a large group of retired people; and if China is to achieve a constant population of 1.2 billion Chinese married couples must average fewer than 2 children for much of the 1990s. The projections present Chinese officials with some difficult choices. The well defined limits of agriculture are the strongest motivation for family planning in China but other considerations have strengthened the collective will to limit population growth. 1 of the disadvantages resulting from a high rate of population growth is the presence of many young people who need jobs. The problem is exacerbated by the shortage of jobs suitable for educated people. Along with the dilemmas of resources and employment uncontrolled population growth could aggravate tensions between the city and the country. In addition to arguments favoring population control birth control devices and rewards and punishments are delivered through the administrative apparatus.

Population Studies and Population Policy in China

Demography is developing rapidly in China. Official population data formerly withheld are now being rapidly released . Some restrictions however remain. Chinas demographers should be allowed to analyze criticize and adjust the data so that they more adequately reflect demographic realities. Chinese demography should de-emphasize theory in favor of more empirical research. In the area of population programs the success of family planning in China is due largely to administrative pressures which often amount to coercion. Officially coercion is forbidden but mandatory quotas and targets cannot be attained without it. Instead of having to justify family planning goals and policies Chinas demographers should be free to provide objective evaluations. (authors) (summaries in ENG FRE SPA)

Hua Guofeng on the Promotion of Family Planning in China

Hua Guofeng on the Promotion of Family Planning in China

Family planning in China.

PIP: The Chinese government has organized a family planning program on a voluntary basis under state guidance. The program is adapted to conditions in different areas, e.g., birth control and late marriage are encouraged for high density areas with high birthrates and population growth is encouraged in low density, especially national minority, areas. As a result of the program, the national birthrate has dropped every year as grain production has risen. The program supplies contraceptive drugs and devices, abortion, and sterilization operations free of charge. Commune-run clinics and barefoot doctors spread family planning in the rural areas. Peking has more than 800 neighborhood-run health centers which, combined with family planning programs in state-run hospitals and factory clinics, provide family planning advice and services for the urban population. Volunteer workers publicize the program and distribute free contraceptives. Maternal and child health programs are of the highest importance, to ensure that the children who are born will have the best chance of surviving. China is also succeeding in rejecting traditional notions of the superiority of men and traditional preference for male offspring.

Population Control in China: A Reinterpretation

Research Article| September 01 1973 Population Control in China: A Reinterpretation Raymond L. Morrison,, Jr., Raymond L. Morrison,, Jr. Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Jack D. Salmon Jack D. Salmon Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Far Eastern Survey (1944) 13 (9): 873–890. https://doi.org/10.2307/2642765 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Raymond L. Morrison,, Jack D. Salmon; Population Control in China: A Reinterpretation. Far Eastern Survey 3 May 1944; 13 (9): 873–890. doi: https://doi.org/10.2307/2642765 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAsian Survey Search This content is only available via PDF. Copyright 1973 Regents of the University of California Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.