Group 1 - The changing population structure is significantly impacting social development, with declining birth rates and India's population surpassing China's raising concerns about fertility issues [1][3] - High housing prices and the cost of raising children are major factors limiting young people's willingness to have children, with the cost of raising a child in major cities reaching two to three million [1][3] - The concept of "fewer and better births" has become prevalent, leading to a decrease in newborns, with China's birth rate dropping to 1.15% in 2021, below the international warning line of 1.5% [3] Group 2 - High housing prices are a barrier to marriage, with the average housing price in China exceeding 10,000 yuan per square meter in 2021, making home ownership nearly impossible for young graduates with limited income [3][5] - The pressure of housing costs has led many young people to delay marriage or remain single, with the number of single adults reaching 240 million in 2018 [5] Group 3 - Addressing the housing issue is seen as key to encouraging higher birth rates, as providing affordable housing can alleviate living burdens and enable families to raise children [7] - The government has aimed to return housing to its residential purpose since 2016, with policies leading to a general decline in housing prices in the second half of 2021 and increased construction of affordable housing [8] Group 4 - Reducing the cost of raising children is also crucial, with suggestions for tax and housing subsidies to ease the financial burden on families, alongside increasing the availability of childcare facilities [10] - A collective societal effort is needed to alleviate young people's living pressures, enabling them to start families and contribute to reversing the declining population trend [12]

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]