China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has launched a survey involving 30,000 people to explore attitudes towards childbearing and the growing “fear surrounding having children.” This effort comes as Chinese authorities struggle to reverse the declining birthrate and encourage young couples to start families.
The survey will cover participants from 150 counties and 1,500 communities across China, according to the state-backed Global Times, which cited the China Population and Development Research Center. The aim is to gain insights into why people are reluctant to have children and to develop support and incentive measures to boost fertility rates.
China’s Struggle With Population Decline
China’s population decline is a growing concern for the government. In 2023, the country reported its second consecutive year of population shrinkage, which has prompted Beijing to take action. The Chinese government is encouraging younger couples to have more children to address the negative effects of a declining population on the country’s economy and future.
This survey is expected to provide crucial data on the reasons behind declining fertility rates and could lead to policy changes that support family growth. Beijing last conducted a similar survey in 2021, making this the first nationwide family and fertility study in two years. At the same time, China’s National Bureau of Statistics is also running a nationwide population monitoring survey from October to November.
Promoting Marriage And Shared Parenting
Chinese authorities have linked population development to national rejuvenation and strength. To address concerns, health officials in China are placing more emphasis on promoting marriage and childbirth at “appropriate ages.” Officials have also advocated for shared parenting responsibilities, with the goal of guiding young people to adopt “positive perspectives on marriage, childbirth, and family.”
These initiatives, combined with the results of the current survey, could shape future policies that aim to boost the birthrate and tackle the challenges of China’s ageing population.
(With inputs from Reuters)
