Overview
This lecture covers global demography, including the relationship between population trends and economic welfare, effects of aging and overpopulation, and debates on reproductive health policies.
Demography: Concepts and Measures
- Demography is the statistical study of human populations, focusing on birth (fertility), death (mortality), aging, and migration.
- Migration refers to the movement of people between different residences or regions.
- Fertility rate is the average number of children a woman would bear in her lifetime.
- Mortality rate is the average number of deaths within a population.
- Population aging refers to an increasing proportion of older individuals within a population.
Importance and Effects of Demography
- Demographic data helps governments and businesses predict and analyze social, cultural, and economic trends.
- Family structures (size, number of children) influence economic and social policies in different regions.
- Rural families often have more children, while urbanized, professional families tend to have fewer due to career commitments.
Urbanization, Migration, and Overpopulation
- Less developed, agriculture-based countries tend to have higher population growth.
- Urban population growth is driven more by migration to cities than by higher birthrates.
- International migration helps offset aging populations in developed countries.
- Top countries accepting immigrants in 2022 include Canada, Iceland, and New Zealand.
Debates on Population Growth and Control
- Overpopulation is seen as a risk for economic, resource, and environmental challenges.
- Some argue controlling population growth supports economic development and reduces poverty.
- Historical views, like those of Thomas Malthus and Paul Ehrlich, connect overpopulation with disaster and mass starvation.
- Population control measures include contraception, sterilization, and policies like China’s one-child policy.
Reproductive Rights and Legislation
- Reproductive rights include the right to family planning, contraception, and the choice to terminate a pregnancy.
- The Philippines' RH Law (RA 10354) supports responsible parenthood and reproductive health.
- Abortion is defined as ending a pregnancy before birth; it is illegal in the Philippines.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Demography — the statistical study of populations (births, deaths, migration).
- Fertility Rate — average number of children per woman.
- Mortality Rate — average number of deaths in a population.
- Migration — movement of individuals or groups between residences.
- Population Aging — increase in the proportion of elderly people in a population.
- Reproductive Rights — rights related to sexual and reproductive health and choices.
- Abortion — termination of pregnancy before childbirth.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the effects of demographic trends on economic welfare.
- Study the RH Law (RA 10354) and its implications for the Philippines.
- Prepare for discussion on differing views about reproductive health policies.