The family has served as a cornerstone of human development throughout history. In modern society, as family structures and functions continue to evolve, the question of how to support families through policies, cultural frameworks, and practical measures has become a focal point for governments, social organizations, and scholars worldwide. Against this backdrop, the concepts of “Fertility-Friendly,” “Child-Friendly,” and “Family-Friendly” have emerged as critical approaches. While these ideas are closely interconnected, they differ significantly in terms of their core target groups, objectives, and implementation methods. This article adopts an anthropological lens, drawing on both domestic and international case studies to clarify the meanings and interrelationships of these three concepts, and to explore their roles in advancing sustainable social development.

Fertility-Friendly: Building a Social Support System to Address Low Fertility Rates

Fertility-friendly initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals throughout the reproductive process by creating policies and environments that encourage and sustain childbearing. These initiatives focus on alleviating economic, psychological, and time-related pressures on individuals of childbearing age, ultimately aiming to boost fertility intentions. In China, rapid economic development and urbanization have amplified the challenges of population aging and declining fertility rates. From the once-rigid one-child policy to the recent implementation of the “comprehensive three-child” policy, the nation’s policy focus has shifted toward fostering “fertility support.” However, policy adjustments alone are insufficient to raise fertility rates. It is equally vital to create a supportive social environment that truly embodies fertility-friendly principles. The release of Several Measures to Accelerate the Improvement of Fertility Support Policy Systems and Promote the Construction of a Fertility-Friendly Society (State Office [2024] No. 48) has sparked widespread attention and dialogue.

1. Dimensions of Fertility-Friendly Support

(1) Economic Support: Offering direct financial assistance such as maternity allowances, childcare subsidies, and childcare cost reductions to ease the financial burdens of raising children.
(2) Optimized Medical Services: Establishing a comprehensive maternal and child healthcare system covering both urban and rural areas to ensure women receive consistent medical care throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
(3) Workplace-Friendly Policies: Implementing policies like paid maternity leave, paternity leave, and workplace gender equality measures to foster a supportive professional environment for parents.
(4) Psychological Support: Providing tailored mental health services to individuals of childbearing age, helping to alleviate the stress and anxieties associated with parenting.

2. Domestic and International Fertility-Friendly Case Studies

Finland stands out as a leading example of fertility-friendly policies with its provision of the “Baby Box,” a government-sponsored welfare initiative. Each family with a newborn receives a free box filled with essentials like clothing, baby bottles, and bedding. This initiative not only symbolizes societal support for new life but also reduces families’ economic burdens in the early stages of childrearing. Furthermore, the Finnish government grants 164 days of paid parental leave to either parent, with pregnant women entitled to an additional month of paid leave before their due date. In single-parent families, the sole parent can access the full parental leave allocation of 328 days.

In China, the city of Hangzhou has pioneered efforts to build a fertility-friendly society by establishing “50 grassroots fertility consultation clinics” as part of the “Warm Care in Hangzhou” initiative. In early 2024, this project was named one of Hangzhou’s Top Ten Livelihood Projects. To date, the city has completed the standardized setup of these clinics, formed 50 dedicated fertility service teams, and provided 6,998 consultations and medical guidance sessions. Additionally, 368 medical referrals have been facilitated, reflecting a tangible commitment to addressing fertility-related challenges.

Child-Friendly: A Society Designed with Children at Its Core

The concept of being child-friendly centers on creating a social environment that respects children’s rights and addresses their unique needs. It highlights the idea that children are not only objects of protection but also active rights-holders with the ability to participate and express their views. UNICEF’s “Child-Friendly Cities Initiative” (CFCI) is a key platform for translating this vision into action. In March 2021, “child-friendly city development” was officially included in China’s 14th Five-Year Development Plan. Currently, 93 cities across 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities have been integrated into the national framework for building child-friendly cities. Increasingly, local governments are designing and implementing policies from a “one-meter-tall perspective” while continually enhancing public service systems to bring the child-friendly concept to life.

1. Dimensions of Child-Friendly Implementation

(1) Rights Protection: Enacting laws and policies to ensure children’s fundamental rights, including access to healthcare, education, and cultural activities.
(2) Public Space Design: Creating safe, accessible, and multifunctional public spaces that meet children’s needs for learning, recreation, and social interaction.
(3) Participation Mechanisms: Encouraging children to actively participate in policymaking and community governance, ensuring their voices are valued and included.
(4) Education and Growth Support: Providing high-quality education and psychological services to support children’s healthy development and well-being.

2. Domestic and International Child-Friendly Case Studies

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is a global exemplar of child-friendly urban development. Its “20-Minute Neighborhood” policy ensures that children can easily access schools, parks, libraries, and healthcare centers within a 20-minute walking or biking radius. Furthermore, Copenhagen has established “Children’s Opinion Collection Stations” in various neighborhoods, integrating children’s feedback directly into urban planning decisions.

In China, Shenzhen has emerged as a pioneer in advancing child-friendly initiatives. In Futian District, children’s deliberation organizations have been set up to enable children to directly engage in discussions about community public affairs. This innovative approach not only strengthens children’s sense of agency but also enhances the relevance and precision of policymaking. Futian District’s Women’s Federation has issued the Standards for Children’s Participationand the Standards for Children’s Deliberation Council Activities, which have become signature highlights of the district’s standardized public service pilot program. These efforts have also provided a replicable “Futian Model” for promoting soft public services in child-friendly practices nationwide.

Family-Friendly: A Multigenerational Social Support Network

The family-friendly concept focuses on building a supportive framework of policies and services that help family members balance their responsibilities across parenting, work, and everyday life. Compared to fertility-friendly and child-friendly approaches, family-friendly initiatives cover a broader spectrum, addressing needs that range from elder care to nurturing parent-child relationships.

1. Dimensions of Family-Friendly Practices

(1) Workplace Support: Offering flexible working hours, remote work options, and family leave policies to empower parents to balance their professional and family commitments effectively.
(2) Community Support: Creating opportunities for intergenerational interaction and emotional connection through community-based activities and shared resources, fostering stronger family ties.
(3) Mental Health Support: Establishing family counseling centers to help families navigate emotional challenges, resolve conflicts, and promote mental well-being.
(4) Dual Care for the Elderly and Children: Providing elder day-care services alongside childcare facilities to alleviate the burden of “dual caregiving responsibilities” that many families face.

2. Domestic and International Family-Friendly Case Studies

Sweden serves as a leading example of family-friendly policymaking. Its gender-neutral parental leave policy allows parents to share parental leave, significantly enhancing male participation in childcare and fostering greater gender equality in parenting. Additionally, Sweden’s Family Centers provide a comprehensive range of services, from postpartum care to psychological support, making them indispensable hubs for family well-being.

In China, Shanghai has taken innovative steps by establishing “Family Support Centers” in many communities, offering tailored services to meet the diverse needs of family members. Young parents can attend parenting classes to develop their skills, while elderly residents benefit from access to community-based day-care services. These centers also regularly organize parent-child activities and intergenerational exchange programs, creating meaningful opportunities for family members to connect and strengthen their relationships. This model has set a benchmark for family-friendly practices in China, blending tradition with modern community support systems.

The Synergy of the Three: Building an Inclusive and Sustainable Society

Fertility-friendly, child-friendly, and family-friendly initiatives complement one another, forming a cohesive and comprehensive support system for family development. Together, they serve as the foundation, the core, and the bridge in advancing societal inclusiveness and sustainable development.

1. The Relationship Among the Three

(1) Fertility-Friendly as the Foundation: Fertility-friendly policies provide the essential support needed to enable families to embrace childbearing, serving as the starting point for other supportive frameworks. By alleviating the economic, psychological, and time-related burdens faced by individuals of childbearing age, fertility-friendly measures help reduce the challenges associated with raising children. This foundational support not only directly influences fertility intentions but also establishes the necessary conditions for implementing child-friendly and family-friendly initiatives.

(2) Child-Friendly as the Core: Child-friendly policies lie at the heart of enhancing family well-being and improving societal inclusiveness. A social environment that prioritizes children’s needs and protects their rights not only directly benefits children but also alleviates the parenting burden on families, fostering greater happiness and cohesion within society. For example, expanding access to high-quality education and optimizing community infrastructure enables families to thrive, ensuring that all members reap the benefits of a child-centric society.

(3) Family-Friendly as the Bridge: Family-friendly initiatives act as the connecting thread that integrates fertility-friendly and child-friendly measures into a unified, interdependent system. Through workplace support, community services, and mental health resources, family-friendly policies address the multifaceted needs of individuals, families, and the broader community. For instance, flexible work policies empower parents to balance careers with child-rearing, while community activities promote stronger relationships within families and a deeper sense of belonging in society, enhancing resilience across the social framework.

2. Synergistic Pathways

Achieving the coordinated development of fertility-friendly, child-friendly, and family-friendly initiatives requires a multifaceted approach focusing on the following key areas:

(1) Policy Integration: Cross-sector collaboration is essential to achieving synergy among the three. By incorporating fertility-friendly, child-friendly, and family-friendly objectives into national and local policy frameworks, a comprehensive support system can be created across healthcare, education, housing, and employment domains. For example, urban planning that integrates accessible maternity services, child-friendly public spaces, and family-oriented residential designs can address multiple needs in a unified and inclusive manner.

(2) Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness is vital to garnering support for social policies. Educational programs and media campaigns can help foster understanding of the importance of family support systems and children’s rights. For instance, community seminars, public advertisements, and social media outreach can promote family-friendly values, advocate for greater male involvement in childcare, and cultivate a supportive societal atmosphere that embraces inclusiveness.

(3) Diverse Participation: Building a truly inclusive and friendly society requires the active participation of multiple stakeholders, including governments, businesses, social organizations, and individuals. Governments can provide the necessary resources and policy frameworks, businesses can implement family-friendly workplace policies and develop products and services tailored to families, and social organizations can foster engagement through community programs and public initiatives. These collaborative efforts ensure that the vision of a friendly and inclusive society becomes a shared and achievable goal.

The seamless integration of fertility-friendly, child-friendly, and family-friendly initiatives forms a robust and comprehensive social support system. This system not only enhances the well-being and happiness of the population, including children, but also charts a clear course toward building an inclusive, harmonious, prosperous, and sustainable society.

Looking ahead, promoting the deep integration of these three concepts will require a stronger emphasis on localized practices and in-depth research. On the one hand, it is crucial to explore China’s unique cultural heritage and social dynamics to design innovative policies and services tailored to local needs. On the other hand, blending these efforts with advanced international practices can improve the feasibility and impact of such systems.

Moreover, the active participation of diverse stakeholders is indispensable. Governments, businesses, social organizations, and the public must work together to translate these concepts from visionary ideals into tangible realities, ensuring that the framework evolves into meaningful and actionable support for families and communities alike.