A Country with High Fertility Rate - Assignment Example

Introduction The population of the world today is twice the population 1960s, but whereas (World fertility Rate Survey, 2000) the rate of growth has reduced, the population is still rapidly increasing, and rates of growth in many developing countries indicate little if any drop. Although, the yearly population growth has reduced to 1.2% annually, world’s population increases by approximately 83 million per year (United Nations and World fertility Rate Survey, 2000). Declines in fertility rates have been almost universal among states/nations, but the pattern has varied broadly. In some nations such as Russia, Taiwan, and Germany, fertility rates have declined, while in other nations such as Bangladesh, fertility rates have declined and majority families have between about two and four children. Despite this, fertility rates remain high in some countries, for instance, in Niger, approximately seven children per family/woman remains a norm. The paper will identify some of the countries (with special attention to China, Niger and India) with high fertility rates and explain the reasons for high fertility rates in those countries. Discussion Fertility rate of any population is the total number of children a woman would give birth to in her lifetime. There is an enormous disparity between developing and developed nations in terms of fertility rates, with high rates in developing countries, particularly within the sub-Saharan Africa. Developing nations experience high rates of natural increase due their high birth rates. Although they have high mortality rates, there is always a wide gap between the two figures. Developed countries, on the other hand, experience both low birth rate and low death rate, with just a narrow gap between the two. Studies indicate that Niger, China and India are the leading countries in the world with the highest fertility rates. People in such countries face economic hardship and recurrent disease. Consequently, these increase fertility and mortality rates, hence low life expectancy. In addition, studies across the world have indicated that the desire for large families is still powerful, (Thomlinson, 2005). In Niger, the latest survey suggested that only 5% of women with at least two children indicated their desire for fewer children. Some of the reasons are cultural, with large families perceived as a symbol of security. Also, fear of high infant mortality reigns in their minds. Associated birth control stigmas are another issue. Reproductive health experts argue that insufficient information and lack of availability of female contraceptives are critical. In Niger, only 8% of women, especially married women agree to use contraceptives. In India, over one third of all married women report they would agree to stop using contraceptives or at least stop having children. In India and China, most the family planning projects and programs focus only on women and not men. Less attention has been focused on educating men about contraceptives and their responsibility. In addition, several religion-oriented people seem to feed the idea that, the notion of family planning is evil and sacrilegious to their doctrines and has origin from popular western conspiracy. In India, more reasons are found in their social, cultural and family patterns. Core cultural precepts such as the belief that many descendants ought to be produced to guarantee the survival and sustainability of lineage, the comparison of female virtue and value with the reproduction of many children, the immense influence of the lineage more than the small family, and a credence in the ancestral spirits power, are leading causes of high fertility. Given the overriding significance of lineage and the comparative limitation of economic and emotional conjugal connections, the factors thought to be producing reduced birth rates, developed countries (for instance the high costs of child rearing and the negative effects of a large family on the living standard in that family) may not be operable in India. Most fathers in developing countries receive a lot from their children, concerning the support and loyalty, than they spend on them, providing them slight motivation to limit fertility. On the other hand, women's motivation to expand their present economic autonomy into the field of reproduction, indicate the most preferred route of change in these countries fertility patterns. Similarly, reduction in child mortality and infant mortality due to improved maternal integrated health services, family planning programs and practices as well as improved health care services and education among women is a cause of high fertility. Progress can be anticipated to be slow, though, given the determination of traditional culture, belief and social structure. World fertility rate survey reveals that China is one of the utmost populated nations in the world, and must think of its water resources and land. Experts propose that a population size of about 1.6 million people is the carrying capacity of china. The main responsibility of the medical experts should be to promote the creation of the national population target (the number of people or carrying capacity of a nation. This is the number that the nation can adequately provide for without depleting its natural resources). Studies blame the Chinese traditions and cultural practices for the high fertility rates. Traditionally, Chinese prefer large families, early childhood bearing and early marriages. Every married woman must raise about five to six children, which is contrary to the China one child policy that benefits the parents who follow the rule. According to them more children or large family is a sign of happiness. Because of natural disasters, poor health care and prolonged periods of war, the Chinese population rapidly increased from about 250 million people to 500 million people within a span of 200 years (since18th century). With the increase in health care services, food security and the underlined economic and social development, the Chinese population exploded almost twice the previous population. Statistics prove that the population grew from 500 million to over 1000 million in a spun of only 30 years, (United Nations and World fertility Rate Survey, 2000). A huge portion of both China's and Niger’s population is committed to agriculture and other development activities, whereas a considerable percentage of people is improvised, illiterate and semi-literate, ((Thomlinson, 2005). In Niger and India where education and economies are low, rate of birth or fertility rates progressively rises even higher (p. 235). This central characteristic, influence the arduous, long-term and complex nature of handling Niger, India and China's population challenge. Population studies and demographic studies in the subsequent century will gain enormous attention and attain further development. The expansion of population science needs international collaboration and communication. Chinese scientists, for example, anticipate working with their external counterparts in several academic fields and topics, and to gain from other nation's' advanced research results and practical experience, which ensures their due impacts to China's modernization force, and to the development, peace ( would you explain what do you mean by peace specifically) and progress of people, (UN 1987). Conclusion Not only do developing countries need to control increased population growth rate, the population factor is a global issue. All countries both developed and developing need to formulate population policies based on its economics, resources and culture. Such policies may have both benefits and limitations. The exchange of facts and ideals is critical in the wider scientific community, and it is for the benefit of all human beings. Also, efforts to control and reduce fertility rates in these countries, should emphasize on mobilization of the masses on the importance of maintaining small families, offer alternative means such as education and economic empowerment for women, reduce poverty and reproductive time for girls. References India. (2000). Birth rate, death rate, infant mortality rate & total fertility rate: India & states, 1971-1999. New Delhi: National Commission on Population. World Fertility Survey. and United Nations. (2000). Fertility behaviour in the context of development: Evidence from the World Fertility Survey. New York: United Nations. Thomlinson, R. (2005). Population dynamics: Causes and consequences of world demographic change. New York: Random House. Read More