X @Yuyue

Societal Perspective on Childbearing - The document posits that children are increasingly viewed as consumer goods rather than necessities, reflecting a shift in values among younger generations [1] - Traditional concepts of lineage and family inheritance are diminishing, leading to a reduced sense of responsibility towards procreation among the post-2000s generation [1] Economic Considerations - The decline in birth rates is likened to a contraction in household consumption, highlighting the economic implications of changing family structures [1] - Raising a child in Shanghai to university graduation is estimated to cost over 3 million RMB [1] - The document suggests that an individual in China can expect to earn between 4 million and 15 million RMB in their lifetime [1] Investment Analysis of Child Rearing - The "raising children for old age" model is deemed an unfavorable investment, considering the financial, emotional, and time commitments involved [1] - Viewing children as an investment with the expectation of returns and old-age security can be detrimental to both parents and children [1] Shifting Motivations for Parenthood - Childbearing is considered worthwhile when approached as a consumer choice, undertaken by individuals with financial stability and without pressure [1] - Under favorable conditions, children are seen as the embodiment of love, heritage, and future aspirations, rather than a potentially unprofitable investment [1] - The decision to have children is framed as a personal choice, contingent on individual circumstances and priorities [1]