An end to the one child policy?
China is considering aborting its one child per family policy. It was introduced in the late 70s and it is estimated that 400m abortions have been performed as a result of it. Currently, in urban areas, parents who are themselves only children are allowed to have two children whilst in most rural areas, parents can have a second child if the first is a girl. It seems that the rules are also often flouted for Commmunist Party officials (some people are more equal than others). However, in all other cases, if a couple has more than one child, their benefits are withdrawn and the child is not allowed to go to school.
posted by Whispering Walls at 8:29 am
6 Comments:
As I understand it, the CCP is concerned that there will be too many old people and not enough young people to look after them and pay their way. I do wonder if an increase in the number of young people at the same time would leave a generation of people severely financially stretched.
Strangely enough, I was just watching a documentary about that on BBC World. It seems incredible in a country that is embracing modern technology so fast, this kind of ruling can still exist.
Hi Dave & WL - yes, Dave, you are right: they need more young people to pay for the benefits for the old. As you say, though, this will create pressure on food and resources going forward.
And I think it is daughters who look after elderly parents rather an sons. As I have two sons, however great they are now, I doubt they will want to nurse me when I am in my 80s.
I will never understand how a country so forward in so many ways...
ellee - you mean you are giving them a choice ?? Just make absolutely clear that they can leave you to rot if that is their choice, just so long as they are not expecting to pass on any dosh to them "!!!
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