China experienced many changes.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] It was an attempt to reduce the population to 700 million.
2. [1] Families were permitted only one child.
3. [1] In some cases a couple could have a second child, such as when both parents were single children.
4. [1] It is referred to as the 'One Child Policy'.
5. [1] Women were required to have an IUD fitted after the birth of their first child.
6. [1] It was extremely unpopular, especially in the countryside.
7. [1] Some women were forced to have sterilisations.
8. [1] It resulted in more boys than girls being born in China.
9. [1] Couples received fines for having more than one child.
10. [6] China achieved significant economic growth from the late 1970s due to the introduction of a new ten-year plan in 1978, which shifted the country towards a more Western-style economy. This involved resuming foreign trade and attracting foreign investment. Agriculture benefited from reforms, including sharp increases in prices for farm goods, a shift from collective to family farming, and greater choice in crops, leading to impressive harvests in the early 1980s. Additionally, many small industries, transport companies, and other services emerged as people left farming, further contributing to growth.
11. [1] China achieved growth after it introduced a plan for the economy.
12. [1] China adopted different policies on trade and investment.
13. [1] China modernised its industry and agriculture with a more Western-style approach.
14. [10] Economic development in China from 1980 to 1990 produced much change. Deng's economic reforms led to high economic growth and a significant increase in the standard of living for millions. Peasants could earn extra income by selling produce from their plots, and China opened to the world, bringing outside cultural influences. Many people moved to cities for jobs and increased consumption of consumer goods. OR Economic development did not produce much change. The Chinese Communist Party maintained firm control, evidenced by policies like the strictly enforced one-child policy and forced abortions. Deng's 'strike hard' campaign in the early 1980s suppressed dissent. Critics argued that the 'Fifth Modernization' (democracy) was neglected, leading to widespread dissatisfaction with the authoritarian regime by the late 1980s, which was met with stern crackdowns.
15. [1] There were important social changes such as many people moving to the cities.
16. [1] The standard of living of many Chinese was improved.
17. [1] Many Chinese bought more consumer goods.
18. [1] The Communist Party kept control and did not allow dissent.
19. [1] The policy of one child per family was continued and strictly enforced.
20. [1] Many Chinese were happy not to have political freedoms if they had economic freedom.