From one child to two: Demographic policies in china and their impact on population

Abstract

From the application of the one-child policy in 1979, to the already announced possible disappearance of any mention of a maximum number of children in March 2020, Chinese leaders have been adapting the natality of the Chinese population to the country's supposed demographic needs. This article analyses the impact of the one-child policy on the decline in fertility in China, as well as other consequences usually attributed to it: the decline in population growth, accelerated ageing, the increase in the imbalance in the sex ratio and the imbalance in the marriage market. What might have happened if the one-child policy had not been carried out is also examined. Lastly, the article assesses the possible consequences on the current demographic situation in China in the likely case of the end of any limit on the maximum number of children per couple.