Garcia, Kim Maxene R.

BSA II- St, Nicholas

I. INTRODUCTION

China and India, two of the fastest-growing economies in the world, are also the two most populous countries. A number of
factors have contributed to the extraordinary population growth in China and India and have outlined the difficulties that
these two nations have faced. In order to comprehend the causes of the disparities between the two nations that they were
unable to quickly address, this case study delves deeper into the disparities in the levels of development of China and India.
The growth rates of the two countries, female literacy rates, fertility rates, enhanced child health outcomes, and increased
economic opportunities for women are some of the factors that have shaped their past and present conditions. China's
population policy One-Child Policy (Urban) , Cultural Preference for Boys , One-Child Policy (Rural) , By 2050, China will have almost
twice as many people above age 50 as below age 20. In sum, although rapid economic growth and coercion and incentives in family
planning account for part of China’s drop in fertility, other factors include female literacy, improved child health, and greater economic
opportunities for women. Population Policy in India refers to the various measures and initiatives taken by the Indian government to
control and manage the country's population growth. India's population has been a matter of concern due to its rapid growth rate and the
associated challenges it poses in terms of resource allocation, social development, and economic sustainability. In 1949, India became
the first country to implement a national family planning program. However, the program has faced challenges and has been relatively
ineffective. In the 1970s, the high rate of population growth raised alarm, leading to attempts at drastic population control measures.
These measures, including forced sterilizations and coercive policies, resulted in public backlash and political consequences. Despite
the setbacks, family planning practices have become more widely accepted and practiced in India. Rising income levels and improved
conditions among sections of the population have contributed to the acceptance of smaller family sizes. However, variations in
population policies exist across different states in India, with some implementing controversial measures such as banning individuals
with more than three children from running for election.The issue of gender imbalance has also emerged in India, with a preference for
boys over girls leading to a "missing women" problem. The ratio of males to females in India is one of the highest in the world, and
efforts to address this issue are crucial for future social stability.The introduction also highlights the success of Kerala, a state in
southwest India, in achieving low fertility rates without coercion. Kerala's emphasis on poverty reduction, human development, and
women's empowerment has resulted in a significant decline in fertility rates. The role of social attitudes, cultural awareness, and
grassroots initiatives in promoting family planning is emphasized.

II. BODY

The passage discusses the implementation and consequences of China's one-child policy, which was introduced
in 1982 and 1983. The policy aimed to limit family size to one child through various measures, including social
and political pressures, economic incentives, and strict fines for having more than one child. The passage
highlights the gender imbalance resulting from the policy, with a cultural preference for boys leading to selective
abortion of female fetuses and even female infanticide. It is estimated that millions of women are "missing" in
China due to this gender bias. The passage also mentions that China's population growth rate has slowed, and
concerns have been raised about a high dependency ratio of retired to working adults.
specifically focusing on the implementation of family planning programs and their effectiveness. It highlights the
challenges faced in the past, such as forced sterilizations and coercive measures, which gave family planning a
bad reputation. However, it also mentions the acceptance of family planning practices among the middle class
and some improvements in conditions for the poor. The passage further discusses variations in population policies
across different states in India, including the banning of individuals with three or more children from running for
election in some states. It also mentions the issue of a preference for boys over girls, leading to a "missing women"
problem. The passage then highlights the success of Kerala, a state in southwest India, in achieving low fertility
rates without coercion or economic incentives. It attributes Kerala's success to factors such as poverty reduction,
human development, and women's empowerment. The high level of female literacy in Kerala is also emphasized
as a crucial factor in achieving fertility reduction. Overall, the passage suggests that successful population policies
in India depend on grassroots human development, women's empowerment, and active public dialogue rather
than solely relying on economic growth or draconian governmental policies.

III. CONCLUSION

The need for population policies can vary depending on the specific context and goals of a country. In the case of
India, the passage suggests that there has been a need for population policies due to the high rate of population
growth and associated challenges. These challenges include limited resources, strain on infrastructure and
services, and social issues such as gender imbalances. Population policies, such as family planning programs, aim
to provide individuals with information and resources to make informed decisions about family size. They can
help address issues related to overpopulation and its consequences, such as poverty, unemployment, and
environmental degradation. By promoting smaller family sizes, population policies can contribute to sustainable
development and improved quality of life. However, it is important to note that population policies should be
implemented in a way that respects individual rights and choices. Coercive measures, as mentioned in the passage,
can have negative consequences and undermine the effectiveness of such policies. It is crucial to prioritize
education, empowerment, and access to healthcare and family planning services to ensure that individuals can
make informed decisions about their reproductive choices. Ultimately, the need for population policies should be
assessed based on the specific circumstances and goals of a country, taking into account social, economic, and
environmental factors.