How people’s concepts of marriage, childbearing, childrearing, and child education affect their fertility willingness and behaviour under the three-child policy in China?

Abstract Fertility is not only related to childbearing but also relevant to marriage, childrearing, and child education. To explore how Chinese people’s concepts of marriage, childbearing, childrearing, and child education affect their fertility willingness and behaviour in the context of the three-child policy, an empirical investigation was conducted through a questionnaire survey of 507 respondents and semi-structured interviews with 40 respondents in 2022. Some key issues are revealed: First, betrothal gifts are commonly recognized; late marriage is widely accepted; and out-of-wedlock birth is largely disapproved. Secondly, the importance of traditional reproductive purposes has declined but still significantly affects some respondents. Fertility willingness is very low for three children but relatively high for two children. The four most important reasons for not having three children are: limited economic conditions; shortage of childcare; high costs of raising children; and concerns about career development. Thirdly, grandparents are the primary child caregivers in addition to parents. Women undertake more childcare compared with their spouses. Inclusive and high-quality childcare services are highly needed. Fourthly, the family is over-reliant on school education but undervalues family education. The costs of education and training are the primary financial burden of childrearing. This article puts forward four recommendations following a discussion of the investigation.