Patterns and Determinants of Implementation of Family Planning Policy in China: An Empirical Study from Micro-Perspective

Yongai Jin, Renmin University of China
Wei Chen, Renmin University of China

According to the 2005 National 1% Population Survey, the national rate of unauthorized births averaged at 18.6% over the last 20 years. This paper studies the patterns and determinants of unauthorized fertility behaviors in China. The major findings are summarized as following: (1) Strong sex preference is a primary factor to bring about the resistance to birth control. (2)Social and economical development can contribute to quelling resistance to the family planning program, but the relationship is not completely linear because of the cultural influence; (3)From the “one-child policy” to “two-children policy” area, the possibility of unauthorized fertility behaviors has decreased gradually; (4)Family income has a U-shape effect on the possibility of unauthorized fertility behaviors, which can be explained by the value and cost of a child; (5)Many individual characteristics have great effects, like education, age at first birth, social security etc.