How did the one-child policy result in large numbers of undocumented Chinese?

1 Answer
Sep 15, 2016

It is because of the state's attitude towards the enforcement of the One Child Policy.

Explanation:

The policy was introduced after Mao's death in 1976, when the moderates secured power at the expense of the Gang of Four. Their commitment to modernising China and raising the standard of living meant that they had to gain control of the population which was over 1 billion.

The policy was rigidly enforced. Therefore if a baby was born outside this policy then it was not officially recognised by the state.

The problem was exacerbated by the fact that it ran against the Chinese tradition of wanting a son. This led to widespread infanticide of female babies.

The policy has been relaxed as there has been a demographic time bomb created with a huge imbalance between generations.