Factors Influencing the Willingness of Women in Hainan Province to Have a Third Child Based on Semi-structured Interviews

Liu Xuan; Yang Ying; Li Xin; Yang Zuying; Zhong Jiamei; Qiu Lei

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1001-568X.2024.08.0011

Abstract：OBJECTIVE The qualitative study employs in-depth semi-structured interviews to explore the factors influencing the willingness of women to have a third child.Understanding these factors is crucial for adjusting and improving relevant policies,thereby playing a significant role in the successful implementation of fertility policies.METHODS The study utilized a semi-structured interview approach,interviewing 14 participants.It began by inquiring whether the interviewees were aware of the three-child policy,followed by questions about their willingness to have a third child.For those expressing the willingness,further exploration was made into their reasons for making such a decision.Interview data were coded and analyzed using Nvivo software to identify the primary influencing factors.RESULTS Among the 14 interviewees,only one expressed the willingness to have a third child,while 13 expressed no such intention.The main factors affecting the willingness to have a third child included the quality of the marital relationship,the extent of birth benefits,perception of the utility of childbirth,family economic status,and the cost of childbirth.Harmonious marital relationships,superior birth benefits,a higher perception of childbirth utility,and a better family economic status all contribute to increasing the willingness to have children,while high childbirth costs may reduce the willingness.CONCLUSION The results indicate that the willingness of women in Hainan Province to have a third child is influenced by various factors,including family relationships,economic conditions,welfare policies,and childbirth costs.To enhance women's willingness to bear children,the government and society should take measures to improve marital relations,provide better childbirth benefits,enhance the perception of childbirth utility,and alleviate the economic burden on families.