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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Overpopulation. (Discuss) |
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This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (September 2007) |
The Optimum population for a region or country is a level of (human) population which is ecologically sustainable. It is less than the carrying capacity, so the amount of resources available can support the country's population needs indefinitely, which maximizes the overall welfare (happiness, standard of living) of the population[1]. There are different views on the appropriate measure of welfare, and this is an area of political disagreement.
- If the population is below its optimum, it can increase with a net social benefit without damaging the natural resources needed for the population.
- If it is above the optimum, the negative effects of overcrowding (pollution, crime, social dysfunction, etc) and environmental damage reduces welfare or there are too few resources to maintain the population at its current level.
To reach optimum population, a country must be able to measure human welfare and environmental impacts, as well as having policies in place to influence the fertility rate and net migration. This implies agreement on welfare, environmental issues, accurate projections of immigration, age distribution and changes in lifespan among other factors. Reaching optimum population is an important objective in the wider project of creating a sustainable society.
Achieving Optimum Population
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Population control. (Discuss) |
Although no country has yet formally adopted an optimum population target, many recognize the problems caused by population growth and overpopulation. Most of the effort has been focussed on reducing population growth. There are several policy areas that influence this:
Social and Cultural
Changing people's views and attitudes on religion to adjust it into a modern fashion, changing social attitudes, such as giving women more rights and thought in starting a large family than following tradition.
Economic
Increasing career opportunities will have peoples' minds set on education, career prospects, and maintaining their job, such that the immediate impulse to start a family might be delayed.
Medical and Scientific
Increasing the amount of contraception in LEDC (Less Economically Developed Country) educating adults and children about sexual education, on how to use contraception and the risks involved.
Political
Improving education to direct people into a career, this will have people concentrate on getting a stable job rather than planning ahead on starting a family.
Example of China
Social and Cultural
Higher status has been given to women, so that they can get better career prospects, as well as having a say in planning a family. This means that they can work on their career rather than planning a family straight away.
The government also has asked couples to marry later, and asked for fewer marriages to take place, so that fewer children will be born.
Economic
The government is delivering “Glory Certificates” to any couple who have followed the "One Child" law; this gives many benefits such as lower taxes, cash rewards, and better career opportunities.
Medical and Scientific
Before a couple can marry and have children, they must go through several tests, one including a test to see if they are carriers of genetic disorders or infectious diseases, to see if a child they would have will carry it on.
Political
The "One Child" policy is known all around the world, China had enforced this law to reduce its rapidly growing population. Because of this one child policy, families tend to only want a boy to help them in the future, but this is fading out with growing job opportunities for women.
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