Shanghai (CNS) -- A sample survey of over 2,000 local parents with children younger than 12 years old, conducted by the Juvenile Institute of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and the Shanghai Women's Federation, showed that 35% of those surveyed are, or have the feeling of, being heavily burdened by raising and educating a child, both economically and on a daily basis.
The survey was accompanied by a report called "Policy Suggestions on the Current Situation, Future Demands, and Social Welfare of Young Families with Children in Shanghai."
According to the report, the direct expenditures on a 0-3 year old child averages 32,719.5 yuan (about $5,086), 31,943 yuan (about $4,966) on a 4-6 year old child, and 31,226 yuan (about $4,854) on a 7-12 year old.
Despite close numbers in total costs, the main spending areas vary greatly. Nursing care accounts for 20% of the expenditures on a 0-3 year old child. School fees top the list of costs for a 4-6 year old child. While for those with a 7-12 year old child, extracurricular classes are the biggest item.
The locals are especially sensitive to these pressures. Among the surveyed families, 51.2% of the locals wouldn't give birth to another child even if the policy allowed it. The percentages for new Shanghai residents (migrants from other provinces) and the floating population are 44.7% and 30.7%, respectively.
"The difference among these groups results from the higher standards of locals to raise a child, and also the more diligent characteristics of the new arrivals," analyzed Yang Xiong, director at the Juvenile Institute.
Another emphasis of the survey was placed on the sample group's evaluation of the present social services for children. As is shown, most young parents are not satisfied with the current policies.
Improvements are most expected in two fields, scientific guidance on the cultivation of children and community entertainment facilities.
In Yang's view, the traditional family-oriented mode of raising a child is gradually fading out. Many women have entered the labor market, making both parents in the family a part of the work force. Child care is particularily a concern in most urban communities.
Adding to this the fact that the cost of raising a child has increased rapidly, dozens of families are under economic stresses. It is necessary to establish an organic network of child welfare across both urban and suburban areas, and to draw up a better policy framework for children's development.
