Short Answer 
The One-Child Policy in China, implemented in 1979, was a population control measure aimed at curbing overpopulation, resulting in significant social and economic implications. While it supported economic stability, it also led to issues such as gender imbalance and human rights violations due to harsh enforcement tactics, prompting its eventual relaxation.
Step 1: Understanding the One-Child Policy
The One-Child Policy was a significant population control measure implemented in China to address the issues of overpopulation and its impact on the economy and environment. Introduced in 1979, it aimed to limit the number of children couples could have to mitigate rapid population growth. As a result, families were encouraged to have only one child, leading to wide-ranging social implications.
Step 2: Economic and Social Implications
This policy was justified on grounds such as economic stability, resource management, and environmental protection. Supporters argued that it helped to maintain economic growth and limited strain on resources like food and water. However, it also resulted in unintended consequences, including a gender imbalance and an increase in abandoned children, raising ethical concerns about its enforcement.
Step 3: The Harsh Enforcement and Consequences
The enforcement of the One-Child Policy involved severe penalties for those who violated it, which were often deemed inhumane. These included hefty fines, forced abortions, and sterilizations. While aimed at controlling population growth, the policy highlighted significant human rights issues and ultimately faced backlash, leading to its gradual relaxation in subsequent years.