one-child policy

China's former one-child policy, implemented from 1979 to 2015, aimed to control population growth. Its legacy continues to impact the nation's demographics, contributing to a skewed sex ratio due to a traditional preference for male heirs. This imbalance has resulted in a shortage of women, leading to social issues such as men struggling to find wives, as highlighted by reports of men being conned by fake brides. In an effort to counter declining birth rates and an aging population, the Chinese government has since relaxed its family planning policies, allowing for two children and more recently three. Recent government initiatives, like national childcare subsidies, aim to encourage more births by addressing the financial burden of raising children. However, the effectiveness of these measures in boosting the birth rate is debated, with some experts suggesting that gender equality and societal support for women are more crucial than financial incentives.