5.4 Solving the problems of a Youthful Populations in Monsoon Asia

Countries in Monsoon Asia have used a variety of different methods to try and reduce birth rates in an effort to reduce the pressure that youthful populations puts on their resources.

The following diagrams show the efforts, successes and consequences of various different methods.


CHINA:
Consequences of China's Solutions:
China's "one-child" policy increased female infanticide as male children were culturally more desirable. Allowed to have only one child, some parents killed baby girls and tried again for a boy.

India
Consequences of India's Solutions:
In the 1970s some birth control programmes were made compulsory. This was strongly resented and the government was defeated at the next elections.


Singapore

Consequences of Singapore's Solutions:
Singapore found that mainly the wealthy and educated people reduced their family sizes. Since 1987, Singapore has targeted population policies at the poor. Three or more children are encouraged ONLY to those who can afford it. This has drawn many criticisms from human rights organisations.


Brainstorm solutions to reducing birth rates in Monsoon Asia:
- Laws telling families how many children they may have
- Strong consequences to people who break those laws eg. Fines
- Promotion of abortion (making it legal in some countries)
- Promotion of contraception
- Promotion of "the right sized family" (as opposed to an actual law)
- Steralisation programmes
- Emphasis on health and education to reduce birth rates
- Free family planning clinics