2nd-child policy hurts female job application
Updated: 2014-03-26 16:22
(ecns.cn)
|
|||||||||||
|
China has loosened its family planning policy by allowing couples to have a second child if either parent is an only child. Unfortunately, the policy has resulted in discrimination against some married women who are looking for jobs or are already employed, according to the Xinhua News agency.
Xia Fang, a Changsha local who gave birth to her first child 10 months ago, said that during job interviews she is always asked if she is an only child or if she plans to have a second child.
"I don't plan to have a second child. But when potential employers learn that my first child is a girl, they think I'm likely to have another baby," said Xia.
Before the second-child policy was introduced, married women with children and work experience had an advantage in the job market, but now they are being confronted with gender discrimination again, Xia added.
Female employees of child-bearing age are being affected, as well. A white collar worker surnamed Liu said she was passed over for a promotion that went to a young man, because her boss thought she might plan to have a second child.
"Women have to work harder to be given equal status in the workplace. And many face pressure from their families to have second children, which can affect their career prospects," Liu said.
"Companies can predict the cost of a female employee's maternity leave when they're allowed to give birth to only one child," said Li Bin, a professor of sociology at Zhongnan University. "But some middle and small-sized companies can't bear the costs of two leaves in a few years."
Ms. Wang, an HR manager at a company, said the second-child policy revealed the disadvantages of female employees in the workplace, while giving male workers more advantage. "With two children, men suffer more life pressure, but that will motivate them to work harder."
"Giving birth to children is a social responsibility that should not be shouldered by women alone," said Li Bin.
China has yet to release specific laws on gender discrimination in the workplace.
Related Stories
First 2nd-child policy baby in Anhui 2014-02-28 11:00
Beijing adopts new 2nd-child policy 2014-02-22 07:25
Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Anhui pioneer in two-child policy 2014-02-10 20:04
Guangxi to relax one-child policy in March 2014-01-16 15:21
Today's Top News
Xi pledges to bolster nuclear security
Kremlin 'ready' to work with G7
Beijing among most polluted areas
China eyes 'Cathay' tulip import
President takes detour on state visit to France
US mudslide death toll climbs to 14, 176 missing
Courier, customer brawl in Chongqing
Tibet Airlines to open four new routes
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
President Xi visits western Europe |
Diaries shed lights on massacre |
Naturists on the path to acceptance |
Missing plane puzzle remains unsolved |
Modern merchants follow Silk Road |
Doubts linger over warning system for smog |