Page 89 - IJPS-11-3

International Journal of
Population Studies Low fertility intentions in China

in shaping fertility intentions. To the best of this study’s from considering family expansion. This underscores
understanding, there has been no substantial policy efforts the pressing need for childcare policies that go beyond
precisely aimed at mitigating these social-psychological reducing financial burdens to address the emotional guilt
barriers. A more holistic strategy is essential, integrating associated with inadequate childcare support. Beyond
economic, social, and psychological interventions to create implementing of affordable childcare system, policymakers
an environment where family expansion is both feasible must be cognizant and supportive of innovative solutions
and most imperatively, desirable. that could ease both the logistical and emotional
challenges of parenting. Such measures include promoting
While not explicitly designed as social-psychological
interventions, pro-natalist policies in some countries have workplace flexibility, facilitating remote work options
increasingly emphasized enabling better reconciliation (Goldscheider et al., 2015; Kossek & Thompson, 2016),
between work and family life (Duvander et al., 2010; and establishing workplace childcare facilities (Hegewisch
OECD, 2023). This approach represents a significant & Gornick, 2011; Kossek et al., 2011), which together can
departure from materialistic handouts, signaling a shift substantially improve parents’ ability to reconcile work
from superficial, quick-fix measures toward enduring, and family responsibilities. Furthermore, regarding social-
psychological interventions, this study emphasizes the
root-cause solutions. Although critiques may hastily need for further research to develop well-informed policy
judge the effectiveness of such policies based on year-to- recommendations in this area.
year fluctuations in fertility rates (Dulaney, 2024, October
15; UNFPA, 2019), this study asserts that addressing the The effectiveness of family policies hinges on the
underlying issues requires time for sustainable impacts steadfast commitment of policymakers to navigate the
to manifest. A focus on long-term strategies rather than intricate balance between economic growth and societal
short-term results holds greater promise for fostering well-being. Analogous to other competitive urban societies,
lasting change. Moreover, as expounded by Tan (2023, China’s “rat race” culture – characterized by an unrelenting
p. 1), “although previous research suggests that pro-natalist focus on the pursuit of GDP maximization – often
policies may only have a modest effect on fertility,” positive overshadows essential social welfare priorities, including
public perceptions toward work-life policies in Singapore personal well-being, work-life balance, and spiritual
“raise further questions as to whether fertility may decline satisfaction (Wang & Wang, 2021; Zhang et al., 2024). This
even further in the absence of these policies.” cultural phenomenon must be seen as the most significant
stumbling block to the success of well-intentioned family
China can draw valuable lessons from these examples. policies, as it perpetuates an environment where structural
Sweden’s comprehensive family support system and pressures and individual anxieties undermine the feasibility
Singapore’s pro-natalist policies demonstrate efforts to of family expansion (Lu, 2023, December 18; Zhou, 2022).
alleviate both financial and childcare burdens (Tan, 2023; To achieve meaningful outcomes, policymakers must
Thévenon, 2011; United Nations, 2015). Similarly, Norway balance economic objectives with holistic strategies that
and Sweden provide subsidized childcare, parental leave, prioritize human-centric development and address the
and flexible work arrangements that significantly reduce root causes of fertility decline.
the stress of balancing work and family life (Duvander
et al., 2010). More importantly, family policies must address 4.2. Acknowledging the influence of individualistic
non-material factors that influence fertility decisions, such values orientation on fertility decisions: Reconciling
as work-life balance, gender equality, and shared caregiving individual autonomy with family planning
responsibilities. Countries, such as Denmark and Norway The influence of individualistic values orientation on
exemplify this approach, introducing measures that fertility decisions emerged as a critical theme in this study,
alleviate financial strain while reducing the childrearing reflecting the growing challenge of reconciling personal
burdens on parents. Flexible working hours, remote work autonomy with traditional expectations of family life.
options, and gender-balanced parental leave have created The respondents’ accounts suggest that they were keen to
an environment where career advancement and family orient themselves with individualistic values by valuing
growth are viewed as compatible goals (Duvander et al., their lifestyles, pursuing pleasure, personal freedom, and
2010; Oláh et al., 2018). Such policies acknowledge that personal development instead of adhering to conventional
fertility decisions are influenced by a broader range of familial expectations. This aligned with the characteristics
considerations beyond material resources.
of individualistic values orientation including hedonism
Respondents of this study reported significant struggles (Schwartz, 1994), personal freedom (Sampson, 1977),
in balancing work responsibilities with the emotional and personal autonomy (Kagitcibasi, 2005). In addition,
demands of childcare, a challenge that deterred many respondents, particularly women, are increasingly

Volume 11 Issue 3 (2025) 83 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5124