Question

In 1980, China implemented an antinatalist one-child policy. Which of the following explains an unintended consequence of the policy?

A) Decline in the elderly population
B) Increase in birth rates
C) Rise in the female workforce
D) Disproportionate gender ratios

Answer 1

An unintended consequence of China's one-child policy is disproportionate gender ratios, caused by the preference for male heirs and resulting in sex-selective practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1980, China implemented an antinatalist one-child policy. One unintended consequence of the policy is disproportionate gender ratios. This was primarily caused by a cultural preference for male children, leading to sex-selective abortions and female infanticide. Consequently, the policy did not just slow population growth; it also changed the demographic makeup of the population, resulting in a significant imbalance between the number of males and females in China. The desire for a male heir in many families, combined with the strict one-child limit, intensified this issue.