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  • Title: [Discussion of the relation of women's position to population control in China].
    Author: Wang H.
    Journal: Ren Kou Xue Kan; 1991 Feb; (1):31-4. PubMed ID: 12317520.
    Abstract:
    In recent years, population control programs in the rural areas has encountered resistance. Women have been getting married and having children at younger ages. More high parity birth occurred and family planning has been out of control among the migrant population. In analyzing the causes of these phenomena, besides the external impact, factors associated with women themselves are contributing factors. 1st, the low level of education of women, especially of rural women have restricted their opportunities for employment and their ability to choose their lives. Women's only choice was to be dependent on their husband sand families. Having children was the symbol of their value. Improving women's level of education, and improving their ability to live independently would be an important means to reduce their motivation for having children. Women with higher educations were in a better position to put their energy into their work and careers. Urban women, with higher educations, mostly do not want to have too many children. The fact that fertility is negatively associated with education has indicated this point. The 1981 census data showed that women were mostly employed in the primary sector. The proportion of women employed in the tertiary sector was small. Even though the employment rate among women was high, they were mostly placed in simple, labor-intensive jobs that did not require much education. Working was only a means to make a living rather than because of their interest. Family and children were still the center of their attention, and the traditional culture of having a large family was still strong in their beliefs. Even among the highly educated females, prejudice against women's ability and prevalent perceptions of the sex role have prevented them from bringing their potential into full play. The greater share of their attention had to be given to the family. It is concluded that, womens education and employment have affected their fertility behavior. Increasing women's education and their scope of life will have a positive effect of fertility. Improvement in women's status and economic standing will turn them to actively limiting their own fertility.
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