6. World population problems and policies
Case Study 1: Population Aging and Economic Challenges – Japan
Theories and Perspectives Applied to Population Aging:
- Demographic Transition Model (Notestein, 1945) – Population shifts through development stages.
- Dependency Theory (Frank, 1967) – Economic structures influence population sustainability.
- Optimum Population Theory (Cannan, 1924) – The ideal population maximizes per capita income.
- Core-Periphery Theory (Wallerstein, 1974) – Economic disparities drive population concentration in urban centers.
Models/Theories/Laws Applied:
- Aging Population Model – Examines declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy.
- Economic Growth and Population Framework – Evaluates labor force and productivity.
- Systems Analysis Approach – Assesses population sustainability through multiple indicators.
Recent Data:
- Japan: Declining population, expected to fall below 120 million by 2050.
- Aging Trends: Over 30% of Japan’s population is above 65 years old.
- Economic Impact: Labor shortages affecting productivity and economic growth.
Policy Responses:
- Immigration Policies: Encouraging skilled labor migration to sustain workforce.
- Social Welfare Programs: Expanding healthcare and pension systems for elderly care.
- Technological Adaptation: AI and robotics integrated into workforce solutions.
Spatial Variation:
- Urban Centers: High concentration of elderly populations.
- Rural Areas: Population decline due to youth migration to cities.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Population decline accelerating since 1990s.
- Future Projections: Expected policy shifts to encourage immigration and workforce participation.
Source:
- World Population Ageing 2023
Insight:
Japan’s demographic attributes validate Demographic Transition Model, while aging trends align with Dependency Theory.
Case Study 2: Population Growth and Resource Strain – Sub-Saharan Africa
Theories and Perspectives Applied to Population Growth:
- Malthusian Theory (Malthus, 1798) – Population growth outstrips food supply, leading to crises.
- Demographic Transition Model (Notestein, 1945) – Population shifts through development stages.
- Core-Periphery Theory (Wallerstein, 1974) – Economic disparities drive population concentration in urban centers.
- Dependency Theory (Frank, 1967) – Developing regions depend on global economic structures.
Models/Theories/Laws Applied:
- Population Growth Model – Examines birth rates, death rates, and migration trends.
- Carrying Capacity Framework – Evaluates environmental limits to population sustainability.
- Systems Analysis Approach – Assesses population sustainability through multiple indicators.
Recent Data:
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050.
- Food Security Challenges: Over 30% of the population faces food insecurity.
- Economic Impact: High unemployment rates and resource depletion due to rapid population growth.
Policy Responses:
- Family Planning Initiatives: Expanding access to contraception and reproductive health services.
- Sustainable Development Programs: Investing in agriculture and infrastructure.
- Education and Workforce Development: Enhancing skill-building programs for economic stability.
Spatial Variation:
- Urban Centers: High population density due to migration influx.
- Rural Areas: Moderate population decline due to outmigration.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Population growth accelerating since 1980s.
- Future Projections: Expected stabilization due to demographic transition and policy interventions.
Source:
- World Population Prospects 2024
Insight: Sub-Saharan Africa’s population growth validates Malthusian Theory, emphasizing resource strain due to excessive population growth
