Stuart Gietel-Basten says it is little surprise that the shift has not sparked a major baby boom, as low birth rates have more to do with the lack of comprehensive support structures than parents’ reluctance to expand their families
For many demographers of China, this is little surprise. Studies have shown the underlying context of low fertility in urban China is not dissimilar to other settings in Asia, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea. These drivers include high living costs (especially housing), fragile work for younger people, weak state support, high levels of gender inequality and a work culture that is not family friendly.