China can’t afford to ignore its looming population crisis. That last problem occurs largely due to the reluctance of today’s young adults to enter into parenthood. This trend poses a formidable challenge for the Chinese government, which is attempting to reverse a decades-long policy that effectively discouraged childbirth. South Korea has dealt with a declining population for three years running. Experts are sounding the alarm that this trend will only get worse, leading to catastrophic social and economic outcomes.
Among those helping to create this narrative is Li, a 25-year-old from Beijing who has no intention of having children. His outlook is one shared by many in his generation, who are grappling with problems and ambiguities the likes of which they have never encountered. Despite recent policy changes aimed at encouraging higher birth rates, the reality remains stark: societal pressures, job security concerns, and financial burdens weigh heavily on the minds of young adults.
Historical Context and Policy Changes
For decades the Chinese government instituted brutal population control policies. These ranged from massive fines to mandatory abortions and sterilizations — actions all designed to control the number of children a person could have. As such, the one-child policy endured for more than three decades. It had a major impact on the way our society views parenthood. As the country became aware of these negative impacts, in 2016, China moved to curtail the effects of its burgeoning demographic crisis. The country originally permitted two children and moved to three in 2021.
Yet, in the face of these positive policy changes birth rates have plummeted through the floor. This new data aligns with a broader trend of increasing fear among millennials and younger generations to have children. It’s the area’s first year of population decline in at least three years. Demographers are already warning that it will drop even more quickly if we fail to address the causes underneath.
“The government wants more babies, but society isn’t structured to support families. Right now, parenting looks like a trap, especially for women. Until that changes, subsidies won’t be enough.” – Zane Li
To limit this negative trend, China introduced a permanent subsidy of 3,600 yuan ($500 annually). The amount of support will vary depending on need and will be given to each child until their third birthday. This common-sense initiative will provide relief to an estimated 20 million households this year. It has a budget of 90 billion yuan ($12.54 billion) set aside for these safety improvements.
Economic Barriers and Social Pressure
The cost of raising children is one of the biggest worries for young adults thinking about becoming parents. In some big cities such as Shanghai, the cost of raising a child exceeds 1 million yuan. In the capital of China, Beijing, it’s almost 936,000 yuan. This pricy cost presents an insurmountable barrier for many.
June Zhao, a 29-year-old from Beijing’s Haidian district, expresses one of her biggest fears in starting a family. In thinking about her naïve middle-class upbringing, she discusses the economic realities that have a heavy hand on her decision-making.
“The cost is simply too high and the returns too low.” – June Zhao
Zhao’s experience is indicative of a larger fight that her classmates face. Most of them are miserable, stuck in an unending cycle of poverty and stigma. Many young adults are skeptical about their future, facing difficulties such as job security and the responsibility of caring for aging parents. Zhao argues that opting out of childbearing is an act of kindness too.
“Knowing that I can’t provide a child with a good environment for education and life, choosing not to have one is also an act of kindness.” – June Zhao
Emotional Fatigue and Societal Change
This unwillingness to have children is not just an economic issue. Emotional tiredness has greatly contributed to this factor too. Young adults today are in a long battle against high expectations and pressures from society, making them feel overworked and underappreciated. Gao, another young adult, observes that wanting to have kids is linked to being hopeful about the world.
“You only feel the urge to have children when you believe the days to come will be good.” – Gao
Emma Zang, a demographer specializing in population studies, underscores the need for comprehensive policies that address the real barriers women face today. She makes the case that simply asking women to go back to more traditional roles while ignoring the female structural support is impractical at best.
“It’s really not just about the cost. Many young adults are skeptical about the future… so a cash handout doesn’t address the emotional fatigue people are facing these days.” – Emma Zang
Zang’s insights reveal that without addressing these societal pressures, such as providing paternity leave, workplace protections, and flexible job opportunities, China’s fertility rates are unlikely to rebound.
