Insight Into Chinese Culture

We had a great open discussion with our Chinese guide regarding adoption. Typically, the abandoned babies are from far outlying villages where farming is the only means of survival. The farms are very rudimentary by our standards, just a plot of land and a water buffalo. It is critical for the families survival to have male children help work. Since there is no prenatal care, a woman will not know the sex until delivery. Because of this the mother will often remain secluded until she decides whether she can keep it. If she decides to give the baby up she generally will travel a considerable distance to avoid loss of face. This is why the location where the baby was found is probably not the child's home village or town.
Fortunately, there does seem to be some policy changes coming which may allow the rural farmer to have a bigger family. First, they are doing away with the flat tax which all citizens pay for farmers. This was a considerable burden for the poor. Second, rural education is now free. Previously, it was cost prohibitive for many. Lastly, there is a cultural shift away from a "dowery system" where the man's family will come up with wedding expense and the initial household expenses.
Our guide also said there will also be a push towards domestic adoption as funds become avalible and as the economy takes off. Having said all that, I feel there will always be orphans to care for here.