Question

The population of the developing word today is much larger than the population of developed world
a) explain in a simple term the historic reasons that led to this situation
b) describe and explain one of the most effective ways to promote lower fertility rate in developing countries without having to resort to coercion

Answer 1

a)

The developing nations have a relatively poorer economy compared to the developing countries. The population of developing countries have low per-capita incomes which leads to poverty. Owing to low GDP of these countries, the expenditure on the education is low, which leads to mass illiteracy. Poverty and illiteracy are the main driving forces that result in high populations in developing nations. They do not have access to or knowledge of birth control measures. Lack of education leads individuals to succumb to superstitions. Older traditions that promote begetting multiple children are followed by the populations. In countries like India, couples beget produce children in the hope of having a boy child. Such gender based discriminations must be eradicated from minds through gender sensitization. Poor health facilities result in the option of abortion becoming unavailable. These are the reasons that lead to larger populations in the developing world.

b)

Effective ways to promote lower fertility without coercion:

• Improving education that leads to enlightenment in sex education as well as reproductive biology
• Encouraging the use of birth control by free or subsidized distribution of contraceptives
• Improving the health sector so that the option of abortion is accessible to poor
• Providing incentives to families with less number of children to discourage having multiple children
• Enpowering the women who often have little say in sexual and reproductive matters and hence often concieve without consent or deliberation
• Encouraging delayed marriages by mass awareness campaigns so that married couples are old enough to take informed decisions regarding fertility

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