A New Theory of Population

Abstract

Thanks to the wise and correct leadership of the Party and Chairman Mao, we now have methods of controlling population. Item 3, Article 29 of the ‘National Programme for Agricultural Development from 1956 to 1967’ (draft), published on 26 October 1957, stipulates that ‘Apart from minority areas, in all densely populated places, we should propagate and extend birth control, advocate family planning, so as to avoid excessive burdens on the living standard, to enable children to have a better education, and to provide the opportunity for full employment.’ I deeply believe that, with this stipulation, the idea of more children — more fortune among the 500 million peasants will soon be altered.

Ma Yinchu, ‘A New Theory of Population’ (written speech at the Fourth Session of the First National People’s Congress in July 1957), Xinhua Banyuekan, 1957, no. 5.