Abstract: Diverging from patterns observed in developed countries, China has experienced a uniquely rapid fertility decline occurring at an earlier socioeconomic development level than would be predicted. Based on data from a special survey on groups who remain unmarried, childless, or have few children in China, this study identifies three distinctive factors contributing to China's ultra-low fertility: childcare challenges, education anxiety, and housing cost burden. Against the backdrop of a rapid “refamilialization” of caregiving responsibilities, the nurturing capacity of families has weakened while parental obligations have intensified. The intersection of traditional values emphasizing education and an intensely competitive selection system subjects parents to growing pressure and responsibilities in their children's education. Meanwhile, population concentration, unequal housing renter-owner rights, and inadequate housing security have sustained high housing costs. These factors significantly increase the financial, time, and psychological costs associated with raising children, resulting in suppressed fertility intentions. Effective pronatalist policies should remove barriers to fertility decision-making and target these three constraints unique to China's childbearing-age population.

Keywords: Low Fertility Rate, Childcare Challenges, Education Anxiety, Housing Cost Burden

摘要： 与发达国家相比，中国在尚未达到相应的经济社会发展阶段时，便出现了生育率“超前式”下滑的独特现象。通过分析中国不婚不育少育群体专项调查数据，发现3个导致中国超低生育水平的、具有中国特殊性的重要影响因素：照料困境、教育焦虑、住房负担。在照料责任迅速“再家庭化”的背景下，家庭养育功能弱化，家长的养育责任却不断升级；在重视教育的传统观念与激烈的选拔制度下，家长直接承担的竞争压力和教育责任不断加码；在人口聚集、租购不同权、住房保障不足的背景下，房价居高不下。这些因素大大增加了生育孩子的经济、时间、心理压力，降低了家庭的生育意愿。要真正消除生育决策中的障碍，需要在这三大具有中国特殊性的制约因素上发力，制定更加有针对性和行之有效的生育支持政策。

关键词: 低生育率, 照料困境, 教育焦虑, 住房负担