Induced fertility transition: impact of population planning and socio-economic change in the People's Republic of China
Yuan Tien, H.
Population Studies 38(3): 385-400
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-4728 PMID: 11630980 DOI: 10.1080/00324728.1984.10410299Document Number: 407560
In China's recent fertility transition, both socioeconomic change and population planning programmes played a part. The impact of the programmes was greater where socioeconomic changes have already occurred. Explanations in terms of one set of variables are inadequate. The central premise of China's government-initiated planning policy is that production and reproduction must be balanced in a socialist economy. A "New Mobilization" for population planning began in 1983 and included dire warnings of deterioration in living standards unless the total population is kept down to 1200 million by the year 2000. The policy is based on the dual principle of state guidance and mass voluntarism. It includes not only contraception but also better education and employment opportunities, and better health, medical and cultural services.