China’s baby boom depends on gender equality, not cash handouts

China's national childcare subsidy aims to address the high cost of raising children, providing families with 3,600 yuan per year for each child under three. As of last month, more than 25 million babies have received this support. However, this amount may not be sufficient to encourage more couples to have children, as the true cost of motherhood extends beyond financial considerations to include lost opportunities and potential career damage.

Despite the replacement of the one-child policy with a two-child policy in 2016 and a three-child policy in 2021, China's birth rate continues to decline. This suggests that women are not rejecting motherhood but rather the unequal terms often imposed on it. Women typically shoulder the majority of caregiving responsibilities, which can lead to a "motherhood penalty" in terms of lower earnings, slower career progression, and diminished job security.

The survey conducted by China’s National Bureau of Statistics reveals that women spend an average of three hours and 29 minutes daily on unpaid care work compared to men’s one hour and 52 minutes. Chinese women are also aware that motherhood can negatively impact their professional prospects, as employers may hesitate to hire or promote them due to concerns about maternity leave and family responsibilities.

China must address gender inequality to boost the birth rate effectively. Offering financial incentives alone is unlikely to change women's decision-making around motherhood, as these arrangements can compromise their independence and professional success. To attract more children into the country, China should prioritize affordable, high-quality childcare and ensure that fathers play an equal role in caregiving from the start.

Implementing substantial, non-transferable parental leave and enforcing existing protections against workplace discrimination are crucial steps in reshaping societal attitudes towards childcare and family life. Only by fostering a society where women can balance motherhood with their professional lives can China hope to address its demographic challenges.