Restraining Population Growth in Three Chinese Villages, 1988-93

Fertility decline during 1988-92 in three villages in the southern fringe of Xianyang City in central Shaanxi province of China is discussed. Decline is attributed to the number of women marrying changes in first and second births and social and political changes. Minister Peng attributes the decline in Chinas fertility to 1.90 children in 1992 to an increased emphasis on birth planning by leaders at all levels and rapid economic development. These changes led to lower birth expectations. The government issued a directive in May 1991 on strict control of population growth. The three villages were initially studied during 1947-88. This study focuses on the economic and demographic changes and policy changes occurring during 1988-92. Shaanxi province has a mixed record of fertility control. In 1981 the total fertility rate (TFR) was 2.42 or 11% under the national average. In 1989-90 TFR was 2.70 or 20% higher than the national average. In 1988 a new set of solutions were offered for solving the problems of birth planning. In 1991 the policy involved a new responsibility system and greater investment of resources on birth control locally. Village family planning underwent the following changes: fiscal constraints improvement in the political climate firm economic incentives and elimination of some obstacles to contraceptive use. These villages became well-to-do. Average incomes are 800 yuan annually. The crude birth rate in 1990 is reported as 17-18 compared to the provincial level of 23.5. By 1992 the crude birth rate is reported as 14.9. The number of women of reproductive age declined in 1992 to 68.9 from 84-85 in 1989-90. The proportion of second births was halved during 1988-92 to 25% of total births. Third births were eliminated. Sterilization rose from 18.3% to 26.9%. 40% of the decline in fertility is attributed to demographic factors and 60% is explained by program and economic changes. Incomes and rising standards of living were increased due to economic diversification into industry and commerce and to technological advances in agricultural production. The construction of the new highway may have reinforced population education notions about the costs of children. Ideal family size is lower but son preferences remain. The party-state retains strong control over rural production and the means of communication which are crucial in state enforcement of birth control policy.