Shanghai survey reveals child policy preferences

Nearly 70 percent of residents in Shanghai would like to have two or more children. China recently loosened its policy to allow couples to have two children if either of them is an only child, according to a survey by the Shanghai Statistics Bureau.

The survey shows 73.7 percent of citizens approve of the policy change. Roughly 67.1 percent are considering having two children, and 1.8 percent of citizens want three. As for the reasons for wanting more children, 82.1 percent of those in support feel children have a healthier childhood with sisters or brothers.

Meanwhile, 28.6 percent of the polled will still have one child. Among those sticking to one child, 67 percent were deterred by the cost of raising a child in Shanghai, while 51 percent cited lack of time to take care of children.

When consider having a second child, more respondents would like to have a girl, contrary to the Chinese tradition of favoring boys. Of the respondents, 77.3 percent think girls are more lovely and intimate with parents.

A total of 1,005 Shanghai residents were surveyed by the bureau. Among married couples in Shanghai, 10.8 percent of couples feel they can benefit from the policy change.

Related:

China eases family planning policy

China's family planning policy is to be eased at long last. The Third Plenum resolution, released on Friday reveals that China is to allow families in which either of the parents is a single child to have a second child, together with other reforms. The adjustment is considered to be a breakthrough in relaxing China's family planning policy. However, this step should be a beginning, rather than the end, of family planning policy reform.

Family planning policy change too late for some

Ma Xiaoyi carefully puts away her son's clothes and toys, hoping she can soon fall pregnant and have a second child.

Even her five-year-old son Lin Xuan wants a brother or sister. "He often asks me when his little brother or sister will be born," said Ma, 34.