1. China’s One Child Policy
Ms. L Strong
Preston High School

2. A Population in Crisis
For years China’s leaders have been alarmed with how fast the population was growing.
In 1979 they came up with the one-child policy

3. The One-Child Policy Couples in towns and cities can only have 1 child
In rural areas, you may get permission to have 2 children if both parents are only children or if the first child is a girl
If you have more than one child you will be fined and lose other benefits
Ethnic minorities can have more than 2 children per family since their numbers are low

4. The Aim of the Policy
It’s main purpose was to make sure that China could support its large population with facilities such as healthcare, education, housing, good jobs and most importantly, food.
The aim was to reduce poverty and to improve overall quality of life for the people.

5. Let’s Look at some Case Studies
Case study 1: Wei, an only child
Case study 2: Ju, a farmer
Answer the following questions:
Wei’s parents are keen for him to do well at school. Why is there so much pressure about this, in China?
How do you think Ju felt when the village committee spoke to her about being pregnant again?
How do you think Ju’s son feels as his parents future is in his hands?

6. Is the Policy a Success?
The one-child policy has slowed the rise in population in China but it has also brought big problems too.
Millions of baby girls have been abandoned, or aborted, so that people could try for boys. In 2007, 120 boys were born for every girl.
Millions of men will not be able to find wives as there is not enough women.
Young people will have to support several older people in the future.

7. Tasks:
Watch the Video at: statistics
Read through the “One-Child Policy” Statistics
Watch a “Women’s Right’s Video”:
Journal – Comment on the Policy…
Should China continue to implement this policy? Why or why not?
If China continues to implement this policy, what effects will this have on men, women and children in China?