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1950
the population of China was 0.6 billion and the state’s philosophy was that birth was a valuable addition to national resource and power. -
Period: to
One Child Policy
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Unsustainability
China realises that high population growth is unsustainable. The 'Later, Longer Fewer' policy is introduced. This encourages parents to delay their first child, allow a longer interval between births and have fewer children in total. -
Avoiding Disasters
By 1975 the BR was at 33/1000; the population was at 0.9 billion and the government realised that if unchecked then the rapid growth would lead to famine and starvation. The two main reasons therefore were: The Chinese wanted to avoid a Malthusian type disaster;
China could only have a rising standard of living if the population was controlled -
Introduction
The policy was finally introduced in 1981 due to a letter from the government. People were encrouaged to have one child in many ways and discouraged to have more children. -
Relaxation
Saw the relaxation of the policy; it was difficult to enforce and the government was concerned with the ‘greying’ of the population. Also social influences from the West was increasing with the increase in global communications. However in remote areas the policy was still encouraged, the state of Guangdong ordered 20,000 abortions and sterilisations by the end of 2001 in the mountainous region of Huaiji -
Population Improvements
2007 population was 1.3 billion, but without the policy it would have been 25% higher, nearly 1.8 billion, -
Ageing Population
By 2025 China will have to face a significant ageing population as the 1950s baby boomers reach old age
