Urban vs. Rural Areas
Typically couples in urban areas complied with the policy because of limited housing and longer work hours. In urban areas couples were only to have one child but in rural areas couples could have two children. Couple rural areas were allowed to have two children because children were needed to assist and support farms and businesses. If couples in urban areas signed the one-child pledge then they were rewarded with help with education and health care for their child. However, if couples in rural areas signed the one-child pledge they would receive extra work points, a private plot of land, and a larger proportion of the team's grain. Couples in rural areas were allowed to have two children with no penalties and no rewards but if they had three children or more then their salaries would be reduced, limited to no additional housing, and were charged full fees for the child's birth, medical care, and schooling.