China's Work Culture and Its Impact on Birth Rates
ORBITINDONESIA.COM – China’s declining birth rate has become a pressing concern, with new research highlighting the impact of intense work demands on family planning.
China's efforts to boost its population through relaxed birth policies have been met with limited success. The persistent decline in fertility rates poses significant social and economic challenges, exacerbated by an aging population and shrinking workforce.
Researchers from Nankai University and Henan University of Technology, using data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies, found a significant negative correlation between long working hours and the desire to have children. Overtime, night shifts, and being on-call disrupt work-life balance, strongly impacting fertility intentions.
This study sheds light on the critical role of work culture in family planning decisions. It suggests a need for policy shifts that address not only financial but also time-related barriers to parenthood. Flexible work arrangements and supportive workplace benefits emerge as potential solutions.
As China grapples with its demographic challenges, the findings prompt a reevaluation of labor practices and family policies. Striking a balance between career and family life may hold the key to reversing the downward trend in birth rates, encouraging a society where both economic vitality and family growth can coexist.
