dī低shēng yù lǜ生育率bèi hòu背后de的shè huì社会biàn huà变化
The decline in China’s number of births is often seen as related to the high pressure of life, the high cost of raising children, and young people marrying later.
But it is also related to changes brought about by social progress.
In the past, many urban families had only one child.
Only daughters received more educational resources from their parents, learned various skills from an early age, and were encouraged to study hard, pursue good jobs, and seek opportunities farther from home.
Today, more and more women are entering universities and different professions, and they are also able to decide the direction of their own lives.
Education not only increases job opportunities but also allows them to see more ways of living.
Marriage and having children are no longer tasks that must be completed; they have become personal choices that require careful consideration.
Many women are not opposed to marriage and family; they simply do not want to give up their careers, freedom, and other goals to meet outside expectations.
Parents once hoped that their daughters would be independent and successful, while also hoping that they would start families in the traditional way.
These two expectations can sometimes be difficult to fulfill at the same time.
Therefore, the low birth rate is not only a population issue; it also reflects that women have gained more opportunities and choices.