China's Push for More Births Faces Challenges
-
China faces a declining and aging population, stemming from past policies to limit births. Now the government wants to encourage more births, but its methods may backfire.
-
President Xi Jinping is calling for strengthening societal attitudes and values around marriage and childbearing rather than offering financial incentives.
-
Sociologists believe factors like increased women’s rights and prosperity drive falling birth rates. Incentives rather than lectures may work better.
-
Xi's directives disempower women and could put them off motherhood if they want autonomy.
-
The autocratic system means no dissent and officials will double down on ineffective lectures rather than changing course.