The United Nations predicts that by 2025 wealthy societies will grow by 57 million people, while poor societies will grow by 1.7 billion people. What are the possible reasons for this growth pattern? What are the consequences of this growth pattern?
disease, general medical health, medical availability, food, infant medical care come to mind. I don't know if fertility is different for the groups.
One reason that poor societies tend to have more children is that so many of their babies die. In order to insure that parents have children to help them in their old age, they want to make sure that they have some children who live til adulthood. Another reason for the high birthrate among the poor is that they don't have access to or money for birth control. It's been shown that when women have more control over their lives, that the birthrate among the poor also falls.
If this pattern continues, then we face a major problem as the have-nots challenge the haves for their share of economic resources.
The possible reasons for this growth pattern can include factors such as disease, general medical health, medical availability, access to food, infant medical care, and differing fertility rates between wealthy and poor societies.
One reason for the higher birth rates in poor societies is the higher infant mortality rate. In order to ensure that they have children who survive to adulthood and can provide support in old age, parents may choose to have more children. Limited access to quality healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition in poor societies can lead to higher rates of disease and infant mortality.
Another factor contributing to higher birth rates in poor societies is the lack of access to or affordability of contraception. When individuals, especially women, have limited control over their reproductive choices due to factors like cultural constraints, lack of education, or lack of availability of birth control methods, it can result in higher fertility rates.
On the other hand, in wealthier societies, access to better healthcare, including reproductive health services and family planning, can lead to lower fertility rates. Increased availability and affordability of contraception, higher levels of education, and greater economic opportunities for women can contribute to delayed parenthood and smaller family sizes.
The consequences of this growth pattern can be significant. As poor societies experience a significant population increase, there may be a strain on resources and infrastructure, leading to issues such as overcrowding, increased demand for healthcare and education, and challenges in providing sufficient food and clean water.
Additionally, if the disparity in population growth between wealthy and poor societies continues, it can exacerbate global inequalities. The growing population in poor societies may lead to increased pressure on wealthier societies for economic resources, migration issues, and social tensions. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive approaches that focus on improving access to healthcare, education, contraception, and economic opportunities in poor societies, while also promoting sustainable development practices to ensure fairness and equity for all.