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International Journal of
Population Studies Low fertility intentions in China

3.3. “One-and-done” parenting by choice Respondent 14:

Our analysis showed that there was a conscious decision “I just want to get married; I don’t want to have
to limit family size to one child, often referred to as “one- children. With that money, I can make my wife and
and-done” parenting. This theme suggests a deliberate parents happy.”
intention to channel resources, attention, and love toward This perspective underscores a deliberate choice to
a single offspring. allocate financial resources toward the well-being of
existing family members rather than to childrearing.
One of the most prevalent reasons within this theme is
not only the desire to maintain a certain lifestyle but also Respondent 15:
the belief that nurturing a single, well-raised child is more “The world is neither very bad nor very good, so there
valuable than having multiple children without the same is no particular desire to continue the bloodline.”
focus on quality. The sentiment is best encapsulated by the Furthermore, Respondent 15 expressed his disinterest
following statement: in perpetuating his family name and bloodline in a

Respondent 12: world that failed to excite him. This sentiment reflects
“The simplest point is, that my life isn’t just about a thoughtful consideration of the global context and
raising children. Having one child has already personal beliefs influencing his fertility intention. The
brought me fulfillment. I focus on quality, not lack of a strong impetus to continue his lineage suggests a
quantity.” nuanced understanding of his choice in procreation.
Respondent 12’s account reflected a quality-over- These accounts highlight Voluntary childlessness as
quantity approach, where the emphasis is on providing the a deliberate and reasoned choice, informed by personal
best possible upbringing for a single child. This perspective priorities, financial considerations, and a broader
aligns with maintaining personal life satisfaction and understanding of the world. Respondents exhibited a clear
ensuring focused parental attention and resources for one awareness of their decisions’ implications, illustrating that
child, rather than dividing these among several children. their childlessness is not a byproduct of indecision or
external factors, but a conscious lifestyle choice. Moreover,
Another key aspect of this theme is the concern over this theme underscores a societal shift in attitudes toward
potential favoritism or inequality between siblings. The childbearing, no longer viewing it as an obligation but
following quote perfectly captures this perspective: rather as a personal choice shaped by personal values and

Respondent 13: circumstances.
“I don’t want to have a second child because I think 3.5. Childcare burden leaving little room for
if I have a second child, it will take away a lot of additional family expansion
love that belongs to my daughter. And I’m afraid
that if I like one of the children more, what should I Our research identified a pervasive theme of Childcare
do? How unfair it is for the other one.” burden among respondents with low fertility intentions.
Respondent 16 encapsulated the drastic lifestyle changes
Respondent 13 expressed concern about the fairness post-parenthood, stating:
and emotional division that might arise from having a
second child, indicating a preference for focused and Respondent 16:
equitable parenting. “I haven’t seen a movie or slept through the night in
2 years since having my first child.”
This theme underscores how the decision to have
a second child transcends mere financial or practical This experience highlights the significant impact of
considerations and is rooted in a belief and preference for childcare on personal leisure and rest, marking a profound
certain family dynamics and child upbringing. shift in daily life priorities and activities. Another
respondent detailed the challenges of limited familial
3.4. A conscious choice to remain childless support in raising their child, sharing:
Our analysis identified a distinct theme of Voluntary Respondent 17:
childlessness among respondents with low fertility “I’ve just had one child, and with only my mother’s
intentions. These respondents displayed a clear inclination help and no support from my in-laws, it’s been so
and agency to remain childless. One respondent articulated tough. Raising just one has drained all my energy.
a clear preference for marriage without the extension into For the rest of my life, I just want to love my
parenthood, stating: daughter well.”

Volume 11 Issue 3 (2025) 81 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5124