Who Wants the Second Child: A Test Based on Leibenstein’s Cost-Utility Theory

To counter China's continued falling fertility rate in recent years, the government has introduced a two-child policy, but the expected effect is not obvious. Given that the 90s generation is now in its prime childbearing ages, the government should consider the willingness of this 90s generation to have a second child. Based on Leibenstein's cost-utility theory and an online questionnaire, this essay analyzes the main determinants of the 90s willingness of the second child. The findings highlight the importance of individual upbringing environment (family, school and society), personal income and social pressure (employment, housing and children's education), which accounted for 68.89% respectively of variation in demand for the second child.