Professor Proposes One-Bedroom Apartment for Each Child Born to Encourage Family Growth in China

By Xiao Bing

In a recent episode of a popular Chinese TV program, a renowned professor from Renmin University of China proposed that the state should grant each family a one-bedroom apartment for every child born to them. Professor Zhai Dongsheng, who is an expert in the field of social welfare, believes that this innovative policy would not only encourage young people to have children but also help them cope with the high cost of housing in China.

The professor's suggestion has sparked a lively debate on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo. Netizens have been divided over whether or not this policy would be effective in boosting the nation's declining birth rate, and whether it is a practical solution to the increasingly serious issue of housing affordability.

According to Professor Zhai, young women who have children should be considered as making a significant labor contribution to society. The state, therefore, should provide financial assistance in the form of housing subsidies – either in the form of a one-bedroom apartment or direct financial support.

"The cost of building a one-bedroom apartment is not very high," he said, "it's the land that is expensive. Land is state-owned, so in essence, it belongs to the people. Therefore, providing one-bedroom apartments for new parents does not involve much cost."

Some netizens were supportive of the professor's proposal, while others were more skeptical. One Weibo user commented, "This is the best suggestion I've seen to stimulate the economy, but I think it would be more realistic to offer two-bedroom apartments." Another user, however, pointed out that such a policy might have unintended consequences, stating, "If this policy is implemented, Quantity people would give birth to a villa."

Many netizens argued that addressing the low birth rate issue requires a broader strategy, focusing on improving the quality of life for young families. Issues such as social and economic stability, healthcare costs, employment opportunities, and a fair education system are paramount in creating an environment where couples feel secure about starting and raising a family.

Other suggestions included providing direct financial support, as implemented in some countries like Italy and Australia. In Italy, parents receive a one-time subsidy of 800 euros (approximately 6,070 yuan) per child, followed by a monthly stipend of 240 euros (about 1,820 yuan) during the child's upbringing. The program aims to alleviate financial burdens on parents and encourage them to have children, despite being one of the lowest birth rate countries in Western Europe.

In Australia, financial assistance is also provided to parents, with women receiving a generous maternity leave allowance. In addition, young families can access affordable housing through the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), which provides rent assistance for low-income families.

While the debate continues on social media, it is clear that the Chinese people and government are keen to address the country's declining birth rate. However, finding a solution that balances economic, social, and cultural factors is no easy task. As one Weibo user put it: "To solve the current low birth rate problem, we need to look at it from a practical perspective and consider improvements in education, healthcare, employment, and other factors."

Many young couples in China face enormous pressure to save for a down payment on a home, as well as cover the costs associated with raising children. The "one-bedroom apartment for each child" proposal may be viewed by some as an ingenious solution to alleviate some of these burdens, but it remains to be seen whether it would be an effective policy in reversing the country's declining birth rate trend.