Case Study: Reducing Population in China

Question 1

Facts and figures

Answer 1

• Pop: 1.3 billion
• After China were invaded and occupied by Japan in the World War II, they wanted to strengthen their military => encourage to have more children
• In 1963-70, average fertility rate is 5.8, birth rate = 40 per 1000

Question 2

Why was the policy established?

Answer 2

Realises that high population growth is unsustainable

Question 3

Policy includes

Answer 3

• Increase the marriagable age to 22
• Only 1 child for urban couples. If follow: free education, healthcare, housing and given a job. If not: given forced abortions and even sterilised.
• Exceptions: 2nd child if 1st child is handicapped, if you had twins or triplets this was fine
• 2 for rural couples/minor ethnic groups to help with farming activities

Question 4

Effects

Answer 4

Advantages:
- Birth rate fell from 31 to 19 in 20 years
- Pop. growth fell from 2.4% to 1%
- Fertility rate = 1.7 children
Disadvantages:
- China is still overpopulated, there are over 1.3 billion Chinese
- There is a male female imbalance in the population
- People are demanding greater freedom and choice