ABC News Daily 2024 picks: Why more babies won’t fix China
Dec 25, 2024
Stuart Gietel-Basten, a social science professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, dives into China's declining birth rates amidst economic challenges. He discusses the legacy of population control, transitioning from the one-child policy to attempts at reversing the trend with financial incentives. Gietel-Basten emphasizes the importance of addressing socio-economic factors rather than solely focusing on boosting numbers. He also explores solutions for an aging society and critiques the relentless pursuit of economic growth.
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China's Shifting Birth Policies
- China's one-child policy, enacted in 1979, penalized families for having more than one child.
- This policy was reversed in 2015, and now a three-child policy is encouraged, but actual birth rates remain low.
Australia's "One for the Country" Campaign
- In the early 2000s, Australian Treasurer Peter Costello encouraged families to have three children.
- He offered financial incentives but this campaign wasn't particularly successful.
Psychological Impact of China's Population Decline
- China's population decline is more of a psychological concern than a practical one, given its large population.
- The real concern stems from the rapid aging of the population and economic stagnation.