Pondering in China: The one-child family rule and its implications

An interesting fact I learned today, per the human resource director of my client here in China:

If you were born during the 1-child/family rule in China, and you marry someone who is also an only child, you are allowed two children. But if you come from a family where one of the parents is not the only child, you are permitted only one child.

With these rules in place for China, projections show that India will have a larger population by 2014, since they have no such restrictions. Currently, India already has more people between the ages of 18-35 than does China.

The Chinese government will have to grapple with how to pay for its aging population and how the young will take care of its older people.

I wonder the psychological impact of a nation of people without brothers and sisters. How does that change family dynamics and cultural preferences over time? As the H.R. director pointed out, "Can you imagine the consequences that every child has 6 people taking care of each child?" (2 sets of grandparents and the 2 parents)

From a cultural perspective, I also wonder about the collectivist orientation that is so strong in Chinese culture. A collectivist culture focuses on social affiliation, with value placed on dependence; where the "we" predominates over the "I". Could it be that the Chinese become more individualistic, valuing independence and focusing on "self" over time? How would that show up in the workplace? What are the implications?

These questions, among others, to be pondered as I'm here near Shanghai this week.

Comments

[Marcia Reynolds]

I too love learning the reality and effects of the laws, rules and norms when traveling to different countries. You never get the real story until you are there and can experience it first hand. Thank you for sharing your perspective. Fascinating. Stay safe and healthy on your travels.