The policy enforcement is implemented through fines based on the income of the family and other factors. The Population and Family Planning Commission is in charge of the government registration and inspection at every level as well as raising awareness about the issue. Married couples can have one child, although it allows a few exceptions for rural couples, ethnic minorities and parents without siblings themselves (who are allowed to have a second child if the first one is a girl or has disabilities). This policy, aiming at controlling the population growth, limits the number of children. In 1979, the one-child family planning policy was introduced in order to alleviate the negative consequences the overpopulation may cause. This explains the subordinate position of woman to man in the Chinese society. Moreover, in rural society, the trend is enhanced, as sons are able to carry on livelihood of the family, whereas daughters, when they get married, become primarily part of the groom’s family. On the other hand, China has a long tradition of preference based on Confusionism, preferring having boys over girls. This is the reason why, since the late 70’s, the uncontrolled demographic expansion has become a political concern for the Chinese government. It is worth noting that this demographical expansion has heavy social, environmental and economical consequences in a country such China, which faces high urban concentration and water and food shortages.

The population of China is expected to start declining around 2042 (Ibid). The population of China is expected to peak at around 1.5 billion around 2033 when China is expected to be overtaken by India which will become the world’s most populous country. The average fertility rate in rural areas is 1.98 in urban areas it is 1.22.

Every year the population of China increases by 14 million people (the number of people in Texas or Chile). China is the world's most populous country, with about 1.33 billion people.

One Child by Mei Fong