Has the Chinese family planning policy been successful in changing fertility preferences?
Has China's strict one-child policy been successful in changing fertility preferences? Using linked data from surveys conducted in four counties of northern China in 1991 and 1994, we compare reproductive behavior against prior fertility preferences and show when and where women change from wanting to not wanting more children. The acceptance of policy-sanctioned family size follows a development gradient and reflects the degree of enforcement. High acceptance occurs in the most urban, industrialized county and in the county with the most rigid family planning policy. Acceptance is weaker among women living in the poorest county and in the county where enforcement is most lenient.
Center for Demography and Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4412 Social Science Building, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA. gmerli@ssc.wisc.edu
M Giovanna
MG
Merli
Herbert L
HL
Smith
D001723:Birth Rate; D002681:China; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003625:Data Collection; D003710:Demography; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010298:Parity; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology