Subject Here

Sociology

Population Control is the key to the development of Caribbean societies.

Assess this claim with reference to any named Caribbean country/countries.

Population Control can be described as the implementation of measures and policies to control the growth, or decrease, of a countrys population. Collectively, the Caribbean islands are home to approximately forty (40) million people. Many of these countries have yet to attain developed status, which may be due to the fact that they have yet to become industrialized and possess a somewhat mono-crop culture. As such, it can be said that the Caribbeans most valuable resource is its human resource which, if properly developed, may give way to social and economic development. There are many ways in which a country or its government may attempt to control its population. Firstly, birth control measures may be implemented, such as contraceptives and sexual education in order to help keep the birth rate from rising. Secondly, the government may implement policies and family planning in order to ensure that individuals adhere to reproductive laws to keep population in check. For example, government may stipulate that households or families may only produce a maximum of two children, or be ordered to pay a fine or face persecution while family planning will help families to plan their families based on their incomes and living conditions. The history of Caribbean development may be represented by the Demographic Transition Theory (DTT). According to the DTT, the changes in Caribbean population can be attributed to the effects of industrialization. However, the Plantation Society Theory, created by George Beckford and Lloyd Best, can argue that the Caribbean may have experienced industrialization to a certain extent but is still reliant on a mono-crop culture, which can be traced back to the structure of the plantation economy. Demographic development and change of population in the Caribbean may be assessed in many ways. For instance, the crude birth rates or the crude death rates in countries may be examined but they may not paint the complete picture since many other factors, other than simple population statistics, contribute to development in a country. Take Guyana, one may assume that with an extremely low population (3.8 people per sq. kilometer) that government may be better able to use or control resources and utilize manpower effectively. This is not the case, however, since many persons live in conditions which are describes as worse than third-world and rely on sustenance farming for survival. Now take Cuba, a country whose population density is above one hundred (100) people per square kilometer. In Cuba, as compared to Guyana, the average person makes 2.6 times more money, is twice as likely to become employed, is two times less likely to contract HIV/AIDS and lives an average of eleven (11) years longer. Also, Cuba is renowned for its excellent health care. This may be attributed to the fact that instead of focusing on extractive, primary industries (Such as gold and bauxite in Guyana) Cuba has opted to develop its human resources through education and vocational programs. A better tool with which to measure population control may be the Human Development Index (HDI). HDI is a composite of life expectancy, income and education to rank countries levels of development. Currently, the Caribbean ranks positively based on HDI since eleven (11) of all fifteen (15) CARICOM states are rated as having a High or Very High HDI. There are many ways in which a country can try to develop its human resource. Firstly, a country must ensure that its population is healthy and available for work. This helps to increase the total number of citizens available for employment. This can be done via the provision of proper healthcare and nutrition on order to help citizens receive proper treatment for and avoid diseases, illnesses and accidents. Secondly, a country is more likely to experience development if it possesses a skilled workforce. This can be procured through the encouragement and provision of easily accessible academic and vocational studies to citizens. An example of this is in Trinidad where tuition and training was made free to many persons through the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) program. Finally, a countrys human resource pool must be developed socially. What this means is that citizens must be taught and encouraged to co-exist and there must be cohesion among all groups in order to avoid conflict. Also, citizens must be made to feel secure through the provision of services such as protective services. There are many other factors, other than the human resource, which can be held responsible for the development of Caribbean countries. One of these is the existence of scenic beaches and natural beauty which is a magnet to tourists seeking vacation. Also, there are many festivals and activities which also help to stimulate tourism, such as Carnival. Another factor is the availability of natural resources such as bauxite in Guyana and Oil in Trinidad and Tobago, which has helped to generate much needed funds for development through primary business activities. It must be noted, however, that these resources are very limited and may not be able to provide sustainable development but rather short-term development. In closing, although many factors may be responsible for the development of the Caribbean, the one which has made the greatest impact is the human resource. What makes the human resource the most viable resource and sets it apart from all the others is the fact that it can be developed, controlled and is virtually unlimited.Nicholas-Wezley-BahadoorsinghPage 3