Implications Of Population Change Flashcards
Define population density
The number of people in an area. The density of a population is obtained by dividing the total population of a country (or region) by the total area of that country (or region).
When does overpopulation occur?
When there are too many people in an area relative to the amount of resources and the level of technology available locally to maintain a high standard of living.
What is overpopulation characterised by?
Low per capita income, high unemployment and underemployment, and outward migration.
When does underpopulation occur?
When there are too few people in an area to use the resources efficiently for a given level of technology.
What is underpopulation characterised by?
High per capita incomes (but not maximum incomes), low unemployment and inward migration.
What is optimum population?
The theoretical population which, working with all the available resources, will produce the highest standard of living for the people of that area. New technology means more people are supported.
Define sustainability:
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What are anti-natalist policies?
Policies that aim to tackle rapid population growth by reducing fertility.
Example of an anti-natalist policy:
Chinese one child policy.
What are pro-natalist policies?
They are designed to increase population, for economic and/or political reasons.
Example of pro-natalist policies:
France after the second world war and Russia and Romania in the 1980s. These policies may be either voluntary or imposed on the people.
How else can countries manage population numbers?
By controlling immigration (Australia), encouraging emigration (Philippines), transmigration (Indonesia). Many countries try to influence fertility indirectly through fiscal measures such as child allowances and tax concessions for young married couples.
What are the consequences of decline in remote rural populations within the UK?
- elderly people are left behind-limited means
- second homes- creating a ghost town
- deprivation sets in
- sense of isolation
- breaking of the spiral decline and deprivation is the key issue
What are the consequences of expansion in a new area?
- creation of expensive small housing estates- locals cannot afford
- 2+ cars per family = congestion
- dormitory villages
- conflict between established villagers and newcomers
- maintaining the rural identity in an increasingly urban environment is a key issue
