The Politics of the Revival of Infant Abandonment in China, with Special Reference to Hunan

Abstract

It is argued that abandonment of infant girls is severe in some regions and that abandonment results in death and the problem of girls. It is estimated that over 1 million girls are missing each year. There are many difficulties in accurately assessing the extent of abandonment. This article examines the problem of abandonment in Hunan province. Statistical data is supplemented by other documentary evidence. Abandonment of infant girls was widespread in Hunan and other parts of China prior to 1949. Orphanages were available from the late 17th century through the late 1930s. Historians reported that abandonment and infanticide declined significantly in Hunan from the 1950s through the early 1970s. The problem reappeared during the late 1970s after restrictive birth planning was introduced. Abandonment increased considerably by the late 1980s. During 1986-90 over 16000 children were brought to Hunan civil affairs departments as abandoned children. 92% were girls and many were only days old. 25% of the abandoned children were handicapped. Increased abandonment during 1986-90 followed a similar pattern in Hebei province. Hunans Civil Affairs Bureau (HCAB) reported a link between abandonment and birth planning campaigns. Abandonment is attributed by the state to feudal attitudes of peasants and not to central policy or son preference. The author asserts that the problem is related to layers of religious cultural and sometimes political factors supporting son preference and social…