---
title: "One-Child Policy — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "China's one-child policy (1979-2015) limited families to one child, creating an aging population and gender imbalance tested in AP Comp Gov Topic 5.8."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/one-child-policy"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# One-Child Policy — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The one-child policy was a government-imposed population control measure in China that restricted most families to have only one child in order to curb population growth.

## Related Study Guides

- [5.8 Causes and Effects of Demographic Change](/ap-comp-gov/unit-5/causes-effects-demographic-change/study-guide/4sfrnOCPVNtW1cf5fMcV)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Demographic dividend: Demographic dividend refers to the economic benefit that can arise from changes in age structure within a population, such as when there is a large working-age population relative to dependents.
- Population pyramid: A population pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the distribution of various age groups in a population, helping analyze demographic trends.
- Gender imbalance: Gender imbalance occurs when there is an unequal ratio between males and females within a given population or society.