China's High Child-Raising Costs Contribute to Falling Birthrates and Threaten Future Growth

• China has world's 2nd highest child raising costs relative to GDP per capita, after South Korea • High costs and work/family conflicts for women are key reasons for China's low fertility rate • Women suffer career and wage impacts from having kids; gender inequality in child rearing persists • Educated, independent women now prioritize careers over marriage/kids • Falling birthrate threatens China's economic growth, social happiness, and global standing