A decade since China scrapped its stringent one-child policy and implemented a two-child policy in January 2016, the nation is dealing with a looming demogra­phic crisis. More young people like Grace, who refers to herself and her husband as DINKs – or “dual income no kids” – have either sworn against having children at all or are putting it off for the next few years. Changing attitudesChinese authorities have rolled out pronatalist incentives after ending its one-child policy – which had been in place for more than three decades to address poverty and overpopulation. “The one-child policy fundamentally reshaped family norms and also people’s lifestyles, beca­u­se many people, especially the one-child generation, were used to and often prefer smaller family sizes,” Wang said. “People have been excessively busy with work... for some, it’s difficult even to find the time to think about (starting a family),” Wang said.

Source: The Star January 07, 2026 11:48 UTC