Population control in China.

1. Population control in China. • In 1990 23% of the Worlds population lived in China. • Over 90% belong to the dominant Han people. Remainder comprise of 56 minority groups.

2. China

3. Stage A – 1950-1957 • High birth rate a response to the state philosophy that a large population gives a strong nation. • People encouraged to have as many children as possible. • Death rates fell due to improved food supplies and medical care. • Population rose from 540 to 672 million.

4. Stage B – 1957-1961 • Coincided with the great leap forward. • Industrial production had to increased for China to modernise and little attention paid to farming. • Catastrophic famine in which an estimated 20 million died. • IMR rates rose • Birth rates fell. • Population decreased from 672-659 million.

5. Stage C – 1961-1970 • During the 1960’s attempts to control population where thwarted by the cultural revolution. • Every three years the population increased by 55 million. The same as the UK population. • Population grew from 659 to 830 million.

6. Stage D – 1970-1988 • State family planning introduced in 1970’s • Average family size fallen to three children.Still regarded as too many. • State advertised Wan-xi-shao ‘Later, longer, fewer’ (Later marriages, longer gaps between children and fewer children. • Even if reduced to two children per family, it would still mean Chinas population would double in 50 years due to large numbers in reproductive group.

7. One child advertisement

8. Stage D – 1970-1988 • In 1979 the government ‘encouraged’ a one child policy. • This would of meant a population of 1200 million in 2000. • Inducements included free education, priority housing, pension and family benefits. • If a second was born all these were lost and 15% of family income was fined. • Marriage age of 22 for men and 20 for women imposed. • Couples had to have permission to get married.

9. Stage D 1970-1988 • Birth rates fell from 40 (1968) to 17 (1980)per 1000. • Policy was resisted in rural areas in particular. • Abortions became compulsory for second child (10 million a year). • Coerced sterilisations. • Female infanticide where first born was a girl. See fig 19. • State became alarmed at emergence of ‘Little emperor's – Spoilt single children who were greedy, bad tempered and lazy. • Population rose from 830-1100 million.

10. Stage E – 1987-Today. • 1987 state relaxed its rid policy in response to outrage of coerced abortions and sterilisations. • Mid 1990’s still a minimum age for marriage. Families in urban areas still only allowed one child. • Second allowed in rural areas if first born is a girl. • Two exceptions, one an extra child if first born is disabled. Two, minority groups can have as many as they wish

11. Summary. • Chinas family size has fallen from 5.8 to 2.4 in 20 years. • 1.7 in urban compared to 2.7 in rural areas. • The 1200 goal for 2000 was exceeded in late 1990’s • Despite relaxations still reports of babies being ‘illegally’ born. Also female children left to die (Daily Mirror 2000)