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Upadhyay, U. D., Gipson, J. D., Withers, M., Lewis, S., Ciaraldi, E. J., Fraser, A., Huchko, M. J., & Prata, N. (2014). Women’s Empowerment and Fertility: A Review of the Literature. Social Science & Medicine, 115, 111-120.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.06.014

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Beyond Fertility Rates: Birth as a Challenge

  AUTHORS: Bingxu Han

  KEYWORDS: Birth, Social Structure, Reproduction, Fertility Rate

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Social Sciences, Vol.11 No.9, September 1, 2023

  ABSTRACT: In light of the persistent decline in fertility rates, societies have shifted from a state of shock to a state of inquiry regarding the psychosocial reasons behind the reluctance of young adults to reproduce. This study adopts a socio-psychological perspective to elucidate the underlying factors that influence the decision-making process of Chinese youth with respect to reproduction. Using content analysis based on collected news materials from online newspaper such as Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Economist, and ABC News, the study mainly focuses on how major Western media has depicted the explanations of low fertility in China. Results show that, social stresses, such as financial burdens, educational pressures, and career pursuits, might have transformed childbirth from a choice to a challenge. Moreover, media and modern education have expanded the discourse on child-giving to encompass not only biological birth but also the mental and emotional shifts that occur for mothers and families. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the sociological and psychological factors that underlie the decision-making process of individuals with respect to reproduction in contemporary society. Faced with an aging society and shrinking population of future working forces, China should see beyond the statistics, but figure how to cope with the mindset changes in young generations.