Core Viewpoint - Guangdong province leads the nation in birth rates, maintaining its position as the top province for births for seven consecutive years, despite a generally low national fertility environment [4][7]. Group 1: Birth Rate Statistics - In 2024, Guangdong's birth rate was 8.89‰, significantly higher than the national average of 6.77‰, with a total of 1.13 million births, accounting for 11.88% of the national total of 9.54 million births [7][12]. - Guangdong has consistently recorded over 1 million births annually for the past five years, a trend that has persisted for over 40 years [9][12]. Group 2: Economic Factors - The economic strength of Guangdong, as the largest economy in China with a GDP exceeding 14 trillion yuan in 2024, provides a solid foundation for child-rearing, with an average cost of raising a child estimated at 540,000 yuan [13][28]. - The province's per capita GDP reached 111,146 yuan, indicating stable income levels that support family planning decisions [13]. Group 3: Cultural Influences - The deep-rooted clan culture in Guangdong fosters a unique perspective on childbirth, with ancestral halls playing a significant role in promoting family lineage and population growth [16][19]. - The preference for larger families is influenced by traditional values, which have led to a gender imbalance, with the male population increasing from 50.9% in 2000 to 52.64% in 2023 [19]. Group 4: Migration and Population Dynamics - Guangdong attracts a large influx of young migrants, with nearly 30 million non-local residents contributing to the province's birth rates, as many are of childbearing age [22][23]. - In 2024, Guangdong experienced a net inflow of 270,000 people, further expanding its reproductive age population [22]. Group 5: Supportive Policies - Guangdong offers a relatively long maternity leave of 178 days, which alleviates concerns for women regarding childbirth and contributes to the province's high birth rate [25][26]. - The combination of economic stability, cultural values, and supportive policies creates a conducive environment for higher birth rates in Guangdong [28][29].

Group 1 - The article discusses the pressures and challenges associated with having children, particularly for lower-income families, highlighting that raising children significantly increases living costs and stress levels [2][20][21] - It emphasizes that many individuals feel a sense of purpose in life revolves around two main tasks: caring for aging parents and raising children, which can lead to feelings of fulfillment or frustration depending on circumstances [3][19] - The narrative compares life to a challenging game, where having children represents difficult "boss levels" that provide a sense of achievement, while not having children may lead to boredom and a lack of purpose as individuals age [16][17][19] Group 2 - The article points out that many people who choose not to have children often come from difficult backgrounds and have negative perceptions of family life, leading to a belief that not having children is preferable [23][26] - It discusses the societal pressures and expectations surrounding parenting, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds, who may struggle to provide for their children and face increased stress and conflict [21][22][25] - The piece concludes that the decision to have children should be based on an individual's understanding of their own life circumstances and the challenges they are willing to face, rather than societal expectations or pressures [37][40]

Societal Perspectives on Child-rearing - Traditional Chinese families often view raising children as an investment for old age, which can be a source of unhappiness for children [1] - Many parents raise children for personal reasons such as continuing the family line or fulfilling their own dreams, without considering the child's desires [1] - The author argues that most Chinese parents are selfish, expecting a return on their investment in their children rather than prioritizing the child's well-being [1] - The author suggests that if raising children is approached as a consumption rather than an investment, children can be born into a less pressured environment, fostering love and genuine connection [1] Economic Analysis of Child-rearing - The author calculates the costs and returns of raising children to argue that it is not a profitable investment in the current socio-economic climate [1] - The author advocates for a shift in mindset towards viewing children as a "consumer product" rather than an investment [1] Alternative Perspectives on Child-rearing - The author disagrees with the DINK (Dual Income No Kids) lifestyle and supports Elon Musk's view that those who are capable should have more children [1] - The author believes that having the right mindset towards children allows them to develop their own ideas and ensures fairness [1]