China Launches Nationwide Survey to Understand Declining Birthrate Concerns
China has initiated a large-scale survey to investigate why its citizens are hesitant about starting families, as the country grapples with a decreasing birthrate despite numerous efforts to promote higher fertility rates. The comprehensive study will encompass 30,000 participants from 1,500 communities across 150 counties, as stated by the China Population and Development Research Centre of the National Health Commission.
The birthrate in China has been on a decline since the late 1980s when the strict one-child policy was introduced to manage the rapidly expanding population. The total population witnessed a decline for the second consecutive year in 2023, relinquishing its title as the world’s most populous country to India in April of the same year. The objective of the survey is to delve into the reasons behind people’s apprehensions and reluctance towards parenthood, providing valuable data for public agencies to bolster fertility support policies, as reported by Global Times.
This survey marks the first step since the nationwide family and fertility survey conducted in 2021. The National Bureau of Statistics declared its plans to undertake a nationwide sample survey from 10th October to 30th November to monitor population dynamics, following a 2 million reduction in China’s population in 2023 due to decreased births and increased deaths.
Chinese health authorities announced in September their focus on advocating marriage and childbirth at appropriate ages while encouraging shared parenting responsibilities to steer young individuals towards positive attitudes regarding marriage, childbirth, and family life. To counter the population decline, China abolished the one-child policy in 2015 and introduced financial incentives, including tax benefits, for couples to have two or more children. Additionally, President Xi Jinping prioritised boosting the birthrate as a national agenda during the Communist Party National Congress in October 2022.
Despite these efforts, factors like the escalating cost of living have deterred individuals from starting families or led them to dismiss the idea altogether. Against the backdrop of a shrinking workforce, Chinese policymakers are revamping strategies, considering plans to raise the retirement age for state employees as a matter of urgency. The National People’s Congress deliberated on a draft law to gradually increase the statutory retirement age, reflecting the concerns over the country’s demographic challenges and the need for sustainable solutions.