A recent article on the official WeChat account of the Renmin University of China's Renyang Financial Institute, "Renmin University," has sparked controversy with its simplistic and uninformed views on China's declining birth rate.
The article recounts an exchange between a renowned expert on Russia and Central Asia, Wang Xian, and a Kazakhstan official, Yerlan Karin. Wang asked how Kazakhstan manages to encourage families to have more children, given the country's relatively low standard of living and limited social welfare. Karin explained that Kazakhstan offers a social insurance program that provides a one-time payment of 500 USD to families at the birth of a child, along with an interest-bearing account that grows to help fund the child's education.
In contrast, China's leaders seem to believe that the country's birth rate problem is due to a lack of enthusiasm among young people, rather than underlying issues of poverty, lack of social welfare, or uncertainty about the future. This Soviet-style mindset is reflected in Wang's question, which suggests that Chinese students who are hesitant to have children must have "ideas that are not normal."
The article also notes that China's education system is not designed to promote family values or encourage young people to have children. Instead, Chinese universities compete for talent using a system that rewards students for their academic achievements, with little regard for their personal circumstances or family background.
In contrast, Kazakhstan's approach to education is more practical and realistic. The country's education system recognizes the importance of family and community in supporting the next generation, and it provides students with opportunities to develop their skills and talents in a way that is relevant to their future careers.
Overall, the article highlights the different approaches to education and family policy in China and Kazakhstan, and it suggests that China could learn from Kazakhstan's example by prioritizing family values and practical education that prepares young people for the challenges of adulthood.