Beyond Fertility Rates: Birth as a Challenge ()
ABSTRACT
In
light of the persistent decline in fertility rates, societies have shifted from
a state of shock to a state of inquiry
regarding the psychosocial reasons behind the reluctance of young adults to
reproduce. This study adopts a socio-psychological
perspective to elucidate the underlying factors that influence the
decision-making process of Chinese youth with respect to reproduction. Using
content analysis based on collected news materials from online newspaper such
as Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Economist, and ABC News, the study mainly
focuses on how major Western media has depicted the explanations of low
fertility in China. Results show that, social stresses, such as financial
burdens, educational pressures, and career pursuits, might have transformed
childbirth from a choice to a challenge. Moreover, media and modern education
have expanded the discourse on child-giving to encompass not only biological
birth but also the mental and emotional shifts that occur for mothers and
families. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the
sociological and psychological factors that underlie the decision-making process
of individuals with respect to reproduction in contemporary society. Faced with
an aging society and shrinking population of future working forces, China
should see beyond the statistics, but figure how to cope with the mindset
changes in young generations.
Share and Cite:
Han, B. (2023) Beyond Fertility Rates: Birth as a Challenge.
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
11, 32-40. doi:
10.4236/jss.2023.119003.
Cited by
No relevant information.