Ten Years After Ending Its ‘One-Child’ Policy, China’s Push for More Babies Isn’t Winning Citizens Over

A decade has passed since China officially ended its controversial one-child policy, a strict measure that shaped generations and restricted families from having more than one child. In 2016, authorities announced the two-child policy, and more recently, even relaxed restrictions to allow three children per family. Yet, despite these efforts, the nation’s population growth continues to falter, as citizens remain reluctant to expand their families.
The Legacy of the One-Child Policy
China’s one-child policy, introduced in 1979, was aimed at curbing rapid population growth that threatened economic stability and environmental sustainability. While it succeeded in slowing population expansion, it created deep societal effects. Many urban couples today, shaped by decades of state-imposed family planning, have internalized small-family norms.
Even after policy relaxations, the psychological and financial habits formed over a generation are hard to undo. The mindset of limiting family size has persisted, with many young couples preferring one child—or sometimes none—despite government encouragement.
Incentives Aren’t Enough
The Chinese government has introduced a range of incentives to boost fertility, including extended maternity leave, subsidies for childcare, tax deductions, and housing benefits. Some cities have gone further, offering cash rewards or monthly allowances for families who have more children.
However, these measures are struggling to achieve the desired effect. Urban couples cite soaring living costs, expensive education, and competitive job markets as significant barriers to having more children. Housing prices in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai make it financially daunting for families to accommodate additional children. The rising costs of healthcare and early education further reinforce the reluctance to expand families.
Zhang Wei, a 32-year-old software engineer in Shanghai, says, “Even with government incentives, it’s not just money. It’s time, energy, and work pressure. Raising a child here is exhausting. Two seems impossible for most young couples.”
Changing Social Attitudes
Beyond economics, social and cultural attitudes are shifting. Many young Chinese adults prioritize career growth, personal freedom, and lifestyle choices over starting large families. Delayed marriages and later childbirth are becoming common, further reducing fertility rates.
Research indicates that the ideal family size among Chinese urban couples is just one child. This preference reflects long-term adaptation to the one-child policy and broader global trends where urbanization and modern lifestyles correlate with smaller family sizes.
Women’s empowerment also plays a role. More women are pursuing higher education and professional ambitions, often postponing childbearing or choosing fewer children. While policies aim to reduce the burden of parenting, entrenched societal norms and workplace pressures continue to influence personal decisions.
Demographic and Economic Consequences
China’s declining birth rate has significant implications for the country’s future. A shrinking workforce threatens economic growth, reduces consumer demand, and places greater strain on social security systems. The aging population is growing faster than the younger generation, creating an imbalance that could challenge healthcare systems and pension schemes.
The National Bureau of Statistics reported a record low in births in 2023, signaling that policy adjustments alone may be insufficient. Economists warn that without addressing structural issues—such as cost of living, childcare, and workplace flexibility—China’s demographic crisis may continue.
Lessons from Other Countries
China is not alone in facing declining fertility. South Korea, Japan, and many European nations have struggled to increase birth rates despite generous incentives. The experience shows that financial support alone cannot reverse deeply ingrained social and economic pressures. Comprehensive measures, including cultural shifts, gender equality in parenting, and work-life balance, are essential.
Government Response and Challenges Ahead
In response to the persistent low fertility, Chinese authorities are expanding family-friendly policies and promoting societal campaigns emphasizing the value of children. Yet, experts suggest that reversing decades of population control will be an uphill battle. Long-term cultural change, coupled with structural reforms in housing, healthcare, and workplace practices, will be necessary to persuade citizens to have larger families.
Political analyst Li Hong argues, “The government can’t force fertility. Incentives help, but unless society addresses the real challenges—economic pressures, career demands, urban living costs—birth rates will remain low. It’s a multifaceted problem requiring patience and creativity.”
Conclusion
Ten years after ending its one-child policy, China faces a critical demographic dilemma. Despite policy relaxations and financial incentives, citizens are not convinced to have more children. The combination of economic pressures, modern lifestyles, and long-standing cultural norms has created a population landscape resistant to change.
China’s efforts highlight the complex interplay between government policy, social attitudes, and personal choices. As the nation grapples with an aging population and slowing workforce growth, policymakers may need to think beyond incentives, addressing the structural and cultural factors that truly influence family decisions. Only a holistic approach, balancing economic, social, and personal considerations, may eventually lead to a meaningful increase in fertility.