China's Declining Birth Rate: Economic Constraints and Changing Attitudes towards Childbearing

In an interview program, experts discussed the changing attitudes towards having children in contemporary China. In the 80s and 90s, when people wanted to have children, they found a way to bring them into the world. However, nowadays, with too much pressure, no matter how encouraged, nobody wants to have one. The cost of raising a child from conception to marriage is significant, as it includes expenses such as getting married, having two or three children, and supporting them until they are ready to start their own lives.

One netizen expressed frustration towards those who cannot support a child, stating that only wealthy heirs can afford having children these days. Another netizen argued that modern girls are becoming more flexible and dynamic in reproduction, critically thinking about it and adapting down to the next life stages.

However, experts argue that even if birth policies are relaxed, population shrinkage is inevitable due to aging and low fertility rates. This is further exacerbated by economic issues such as salary cuts, layoffs, long working hours with only one day off per week, difficulty meeting basic needs, and the lack of means to raise a child, let alone accompany and educate them properly. The experts stress that fundamental issues need to be addressed before issuing documents for encouragement.

The elderly single-child population is an especially vulnerable group, with many choosing not to have children due to economic constraints. In Japan and South Korea, there are numerous cases of individuals lying alone in bed without anyone to offer them a cup of water when they fall sick or need care. It is advised that if conditions allow, young people should still consider having children; otherwise, they may regret their decision later on.

The declining birth rate and the reluctance of young people to have children are not due to excessive births, but rather due to economic constraints. A netizen shared how their current salary barely covers basic necessities such as rent, utilities, and food, leaving no room for luxuries like hot pot or apples. Therefore, even if the number of children allowed in a country's birth policy is relaxed, it might not result in an increase in population growth; rather, it could lead to further imbalances in the population structure due to globalization of aging trends.

The main reason behind the decline in fertility rates and population aging is poverty and the unwillingness to bring forth a second generation with poor prospects. Netizens have expressed concerns about the lack of resources, scarce jobs, and housing difficulties, which make them hesitant to start families. One netizen shared that raising children requires not only financial support but also emotional nurturing, which may not be feasible for many in today's economic climate.

In conclusion, regardless of the number of children allowed in a country's birth policy, the trend of population decline is difficult to reverse. This is due to the changing attitudes towards childbearing and the economic constraints faced by young people today. Experts suggest that fundamental issues need to be addressed before expecting an increase in population growth; otherwise, the problem may persist indefinitely.