Population Policies | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Population Policies

• Many countries have at some time had population policies in an attempt to either reduce or increase their populations
• Governments implement population policies to achieve a balance between population and resources
• These policies often focus on controlling birth rates and sometimes migration

Anti-natalist policies

• Anti-natalist policies are designed to curb population growth by discouraging higher birth rates
• They may include incentives for small families and disincentives for larger families
• China's famous one-child policy is an example of an anti-natalist measure
• Singapore's "Stop at Two" campaign in the 1970s is another illustration of anti-natalist policy

Key Concepts of Anti-Natalist Policies

• The primary goal of anti-natalist policies is to alleviate strain on resources and enhance the overall quality of life for the entire populace.
• These policies are implemented with the intention of curtailing the birth rate within a given population.
• Anti-natalist policies can either be enforced by law, as observed in the case of China, or they can operate on a voluntary basis.
• A well-known instance of an anti-natalist policy is exemplified by China's one-child policy, which was active from 1979 to 2016, with certain relaxations introduced in 1999.

Methods Employed in Anti-Natalist Policies

• Imposing fines for exceeding the stipulated number of children per family.
• Enhancing the accessibility of contraceptives and providing education on family planning.
• Utilizing posters and advertisements to advocate the benefits of adhering to a one-child norm.
• Creating improved employment prospects for individuals with only one child.
• Restricting educational and healthcare benefits for second children.
• Instances of coerced abortions and sterilizations have been reported.
• Encouraging delayed marriages as a means to reduce birth rates.
• Legalizing abortion procedures.

Implications of Anti-Natalist Policies

• Distortion in the gender ratio due to a prevalent preference for male offspring, leading to a substantial surplus of young men compared to women.
• Reduction in the rate of population growth within affected regions.
• An aging population demographic as a consequence of decreased birth rates.

Other Regions Implementing Anti-Natalist Policies

• Singapore (1972-1987)
• Taiwan (1964 - late 1970s)

Pro-natalist Policies

The objective of pro-natalist policies is to boost the population for several reasons:

• An aging population leads to increased social and healthcare expenses.
• A shortage in the workforce can occur.
• Fewer workers mean reduced tax revenue.

Family Support Policies in Different Countries

• France
• Singapore - after 1987
• Sweden
• Russia

Family Support Policies in France

• Discounts on public transport for families with three or more children
• Increased paid maternity leave
• Better mortgage deals
• Tax allowances
• Free childcare from age 3 to school age
• Cash incentives for mothers who stay at home with children
• Subsidized holidays

Impact of Policies in France

• The policies have contributed to one of the highest fertility rates in Europe.

Measures to Encourage Larger Families

• Improved maternity and paternity leave/rights
• Increased child benefits
• Tax allowances for larger families to reduce tax payments
• Baby bonus in Singapore