To what extent are population policies successful?

Learning Objectives

• Understand why countries need pro- or anti-natalist population policies

• Be able to outline methods of increasing or decreasing birth rates

• Evaluate the success of population policies

Birth rate has fallen by 7 / 1000 in the period shown which is

supported by falling fertility rate and natural increase.

1

Population continues to increase but by slower rates e.g. % natural increase has fallen from 1.90% to

1.70%

2

The sharp decline in under 15s has implications for the future

workforce numbers

Combine high life expectancy and low birth rates and Singapore is in

danger of becoming under-populated and with an ageing

population.

3 4

Birth rate has fallen by 7 / 1000 in the period shown which is

supported by falling fertility rate and natural increase.

Population continues to increase but by slower rates e.g. % natural increase has fallen from 1.90% to

1.70%

The sharp decline in under 15s has implications for the future

workforce numbers

Combine high life expectancy and low birth rates and Singapore is in

danger of becoming under-populated and with an ageing

population.

Anti-natalist and natalist policies

ANTI-NATALIST (against birth)• Prevention of births

– Family planning clinics– Free contraception– Investment in sex education– Advertising / media– Encouraging later marriages– Financial incentives

• Termination of births– Promoting sterilisation– Legalising abortion

PRO-NATALIST (for birth)• Birth bonuses, both cash

and goods• Lower tax rates with

increasing numbers of children

• Favoured treatment for housing and welfare benefits

What factors contribute to success?

Government attitude

Commitment to the cause and a

willingness to fund the policy are vital.

Involvement of population

Working closely with people on a

local level is crucial to gain support and

co-operation

Most successful

Group presentations

• Why did the country need a population policy in the first place?

• How does the policy attempt to control the birth rate? (is it pro-natalist or anti-natalist? Is it based on incentives, termination or prevention?)

• What steps are taken to implement the policy? Incentives?

• How successful has the policy been? (you need evidence e.g. has the birth rate changed?)

Go to y13geography.blogspot.com for useful links