EXAMPLE ESSAY BY WU EDITED BY RUCK
Though at first China’s one-child policy seems unfair in terms of limiting personal freedom, after further consideration there are some advantages we are well to note.
Historically, early adopters of the policy who opted to only have one child were given rewards in the form of enhanced medical care, improved access to education, and sometimes even cash. In turn, this not only increased the longevity of their offspring, but also raised their standard of living, especially in comparison to contemporary families struggling to find resources for, say, a modest three children.
Despite the limitation on personal freedom which a one-child policy brings, China has a strong cultural identity which in turn supports a collective cultural bond – everyone feels a bit like family, in my experience. Further, China’s selflessness in carrying out the demands of this policy may be understood as having value by furthering equality of the population as a whole. What is good for the individual family is also viewed as good for the collective nation as a whole family. Perhaps, one day, this family may encompass the whole world.