Viewpoint: Judy Harris' Perspective on Family Life in China 1993 and Key Resources for Social Learning in Education
In the late 1970s, China introduced a significant policy change that would shape its social landscape for decades: the "one couple-one child" policy. This policy, enforced from 1979, aimed to control population growth and initially led to a sharp decline in fertility rates. However, it also resulted in a skewed sex ratio at birth due to a cultural preference for sons, leading to a significant imbalance in the population.
Fast forward thirty years, and leniency with this policy has grown. Today, couples are allowed to have more than one child, a testament to the evolving social, economic, and legal landscape in China.
## The Impact of the "One Couple-One Child" Policy
The initial implementation of the policy was challenging, particularly for farmers, especially if the first-born child was a girl, due to the need for a strong replenishing workforce. The policy was more difficult for the older generation to accept than the younger people. If a baby was not developing properly, it was often aborted, a practice that raised ethical concerns.
Healthcare and marriage procedures were also significantly affected. Couples underwent health examinations, including blood tests and a general health examination. After passing these exams, they watched a video about marital relations. Once married, the permit to have a child was secured from the work unit soon after marriage and early in the year. The permit had three components: permission from the work unit, the local district and residential committee, and a physical examination at the local hospital when the pregnancy had reached three months.
## Changes in Marriage Dynamics
The marriage rate in China has seen fluctuations over the years. It increased from around six marriages per 1,000 inhabitants in 2002 to nearly ten in 2013, but has since declined. By 2023, the rate was approximately 4.8 marriages per 1,000 inhabitants. The average marriage age has also increased, reflecting a shift towards later marriage.
Traditional family structures are changing as fewer people view marriage and childbearing as essential life goals. The increase in divorce rates and remarriages indicates growing flexibility in family arrangements.
## Impact on Family and Society
The declining fertility rate poses significant demographic challenges for China, including an aging population and a shrinking workforce. By 2024, the fertility rate was as low as 1.01 births per woman.
Changes in marriage law and family dynamics reflect broader shifts in gender roles and social norms. The legal reforms have addressed issues like asset division in divorce and gender equality, indicating a more progressive societal approach.
Economic constraints and changing priorities among younger generations contribute to lower fertility rates. Many young people prioritize education and career over early marriage and childbearing.
## Modern Trends
Despite efforts to encourage higher fertility rates, China continues to face demographic challenges linked to its low birth rates and aging population. Interestingly, even some Chinese Gen Z couples choose to be childless, reflecting a global trend towards delayed or forgoed parenthood.
In urban areas, couples tended to embrace the "one couple-one child" policy more easily due to lifestyle. However, families did not return home until a son was born, even if they had three or four daughters, due to the difficulties in maintaining family records and the challenges of moving.
In conclusion, China's marriage and family dynamics have evolved significantly since the 1990s, influenced by legal reforms, shifting social norms, and economic factors. The "one child policy" created a "little emperor" mentality in the babies, with constant and excessive attention from parents and grandparents. Despite the relaxation of the policy, the country continues to face demographic challenges linked to its low birth rates and aging population.
- The "one child policy" in China led to a significant shift in family dynamics, creating a generation of children often referred to as "little emperors," receiving constant, excessive attention from parents and grandparents.
- As the "one child policy" became less stringent, the emphasis on education and self-development emerged as a priority among younger generations, often resulting in delayed or forgoing parenthood.
- In northern Kentucky, education and business sectors have recognized the importance of addressing family dynamics and relationships in their policies and initiatives to maintain a thriving, balanced community lifestyle.
- The government has played a vital role in addressing the demographic challenges resulting from low birth rates in China by implementing education reforms aimed at promoting a positive opinion about larger families and improving healthcare access.
- The evolving family dynamics in China, characterized by an increasing emphasis on education and longer marriages, have influenced the overall lifestyle and family-dynamics, calling for governmental and societal adjustments to ensure a balanced and harmonious living environment.
