Population Dilemmas

Overpopulation Overpopulation is a condition where an organism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat. "Humans are 10,000 times more common than we should be, according to the rules of the animal kingdom, and we have agriculture to thank for that. Without farming, the world population would probably have reached half a million by now." The world’s population has significantly increased in the last 50 years, mainly due to medical advancements and substantial increases in agricultural productivity.

China’s Population

One Birth Policy No longer called one child in order to allow for multiples at birth. This policy actually began in 1950, but was abandoned from 1960 to The Communist mantra of that time was “more people, more power.” Very similar to Soviet policy. By 1978, it was again a part of economic planning.

One Birth Penalties for having a second child included: increased taxes, loss of job or home, and possible fines. 75% of the people adopted contraceptive use. Today, menstrual cycles are still kept as public record.

Government Policy Raised the legal marriage age to promote fewer babies 20 for women, 22 men. Encourage women not to get pregnant until they are 25 or older. If the 1 st baby is disabled by illness, one more child is permitted. If both parents are only children, they can have a second child after 5 years.

Policy cont’d Farmers can have two children legally, 5 yrs apart. Men and women (especially) must carry ID cards and a local clinic monitors their cycles and fertility. The card is helpful for government planning and their census work – reports that officials are forcing pregnant women without permission to give birth to have abortions and receive fines. Riots have resulted and some officials have been reportedly killed.

Boys are PREFERRED!

Liberation is slow… Families still desire boys.. – They take care of the elderly. – They keep the family name. – 1953 M:F ratio 105:100; :100; : 100. – Today, it is becoming more acceptable to have girls. – Married women keep their family name. They are equal. – Women legal marriage age is 20, men 22.

Population in India

Family Planning Family planning policies were introduced in the 1950’s, but are ineffective. Favored sterilization to contraceptives New Population Plan introduced in 1994 – Universal access to contraceptives – training to aid in the birth of children – formal registration of marriages and births – enforce marriage age of 18 – provide primary education for more citizens

Population Dilemmas in Europe

The Geographic Setting One of the smallest continents in size 1/8 th of the population lives there Population Density is shrinking – Why? Oldest population Lowest birthrate

Births, Deaths and Migration Total Fertility Rate in Italy = 1 To stop shrinking needs to raise to replacement rate Longer Life expectancies Changing trend in migration: now more migrants to Europe, but still not enough

Dependency Ratio Compares the number of people too young (under 16) or too old (over 64) to work with those in the working- age population High dependency ratio = more people to support Low dependency ratio = less people to support Where is Europe?

Population Change in Europe From slow to fast to no growth Remember the Demographic Transition Model?

Dilemma One: A Shrinking Population Between 2005 and 2050, Italy is expected to shrink from 58 million to about 50 million Causes: – Women wanting to pursue education and careers – Women are waiting to have children – Family planning – High cost of living – Child care

Effects: – Declining enrollment in schools results in unemployment and loss of business – Labor shortages, relocating businesses – Smaller militaries

Responses: – “birth bonuses” and benefits such as reduced rent and lower taxes – Lowering the cost of children – Providing quality childcare – Paid leave for parents – Flexible work hours

Dilemma Two: An Aging Population “Old Continent” By 2050 average age in Spain will be 50, making it the oldest in the world Causes: – Rise in life expectancy – Drop in the birthrate – Baby Boom

Effects: – Government Pensions – Government Health care – Only works when a country has a low dependency ratio – Higher taxes

Responses: – Cut the amount of money each work receives in pensions – Raise the retirement age – Bonuses to those who delay retirement – Prevention is better than treatment – Home care instead of nursing homes