A Study on the Current Situation and Characteristics of Fertility Intentions Among Female College Students in Sichuan Province

Abstract

This study focuses on the current status of fertility intentions among female university students in Sichuan Province, conducting a systematic investigation using a combination of literature review, questionnaire surveys, and semi-structured interviews. The authors surveyed female university students from the 2020 to 2023 classes at eight universities, including Sichuan University and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, resulting in 1,067 valid questionnaires. Ten participants were also interviewed for qualitative data, and qualitative and quantitative analysis was combined to draw conclusions. The study found that female university students in Sichuan Province generally have low fertility intentions, exhibiting the following characteristics: First, both the ideal and planned number of children are low, and current conditions further reduce actual fertility intentions; second, childbearing is concentrated between the ages of 25 and 35, with a clear preference for later childbearing; third, overall gender preference for fertility is weakening, and the traditional concept of favoring sons over daughters is declining; fourth, fertility values are becoming increasingly personalized, and the influence of traditional fertility values is weakening; fifth, due to the belief that women are in a disadvantaged position in marriage and must pay a certain price for childbearing, most study participants express fear of marriage and childbearing; and sixth, study participants exhibit diverse perceptions of the relationship between marriage, family, and childbearing, demonstrating a diverse perspective on marriage and childbearing. This study reveals the complexity and contemporary nature of fertility intentions among female university students in Sichuan Province, reflecting the comprehensive considerations of personal values, current conditions, and the social environment among contemporary young women in their fertility choices.