On the operating mechanism of population control
Wei, J.
Chinese Journal of Population Science 4(1): 55-61
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 1044-8403 PMID: 12286125 Document Number: 327807
The progress made in population control in China is accounted for. The ingredients are a sound operating system (a mechanism), sufficient motivation, adequate and appropriate funding, information dissemination which dispels health fears and extols the health benefits, and a breakdown of social barriers to birth control. The mechanism takes into account the facts that individuals make choices about birth control and should have sufficient motivation and that the costs to society and individuals should be acceptable. Birth control will succeed when the motivation is strong and costs are reasonable. Even forced implementation will not work when costs are high and motivation weak. The current Chinese mechanism is not adequate to deal with new problems arising from reform and an opening up to the Western world. A parent's motivation is a result of supply and demand under certain conditions. The ability to produce children is related to the maximum parity under no restrictions and the probability of survival. Policy interventions must be directed to increasing the gap between supply and demand by influencing a parent's desire for more children. This desire is influenced by number, gender, and birth intervals as well as by educational and occupational goals. Son preference will increase the demand for more children. The economic value of children, resources available for raising children, and a subjective value judgement also influence the desire for children. Parental decisions may not be well-founded. The purpose of the policy is to establish minimum age requirements for employment and job-training programs and to provide old age security with greater benefits to those practicing birth control. Campaigns should be conducted to convince people to have small families. The long-term cost effectiveness of the IUD and sterilization means a wise investment. Funding has been increased to 2 yuan/person to account for the expansion of the program in breadth and depth. Misconceptions about the cost to health through side effects can be dispelled through campaigns and appropriate targets.