The influence of economics and culture on the family planning policies of the People's Republic of China

This thesis discusses the role of economics and culture on the family planning policies of the People's Republic of China. It first chronicles the history of the government's actions, then describes the present policy. The principal intent is to demonstrate the importance of economics and culture in making future decisions. To this end, the author discusses five primary economic principles said to affect fertility rates, then examines the cultural factors she deems most important in influencing population growth: marriage practices and son preference. She determines that while economic and cultural factors are both fundamental, culture will be the more difficult to change, concluding that government must address the economic concerns of the people if it is to achieve and maintain its goal of reducing fertility rates. Alternative solutions are presented with suggestions for adaptation to the Chinese culture. Finally, problems in analysis are reviewed.