Population

Page 1

China

On the one hand the policy WAS successful in that the BR has fallen from 34 - 13 per 1000 (1970 -2008) - most successful in urban areas.

BUT this was a controversial policy and concerns raised include:

-generation of 'little emperors' - examples of infanticide (due to cultural preference for males) and se-selective abortion

- gender imbalance

- 32 mill more men than women <20 (can't find wives 'bare branches')

- Prostitution has increased in cities due to the gender imbalance)

Financial penalties - Those who had more than one child lost privileges and heavy fines (up to x4 wages), could also be sacked from jobs.

Some forced abortions were recorded and some people were forced to undergo sterilisation

Granny police' used to monitor people - would keep track on families and who was pregnant and report back to officials.

Disincentives 1950s

- China had the philosophy that a large population would be a strong nation and encouraged people to have more children BUT by late 1970s serious concerns about overpopulation and rapid growth of population

- therefore in 1979 - One Child Policy was introduced.

Incentives for sticking to policy:

Free contraception and sterilisation made available

Marriageable age set to 22 for men and 20 for women

Marriages and pregnancies required approval by local authority (licenses given)

'One child certificate" awarded to those who stuck to it - benefits such as priority housing, free medical care, free education, cash bonuses

Propaganda - posters etc. widely used to remind people to stick to policy.