Demography and Socio-Economic Disadvantage

Although over-population tends to be more pronounced in poor countries, there are serious imbalances in reproduction rates between the rich and poor in developed countries. In the same way that global overpopulation is no longer taken seriously, reproduction imbalances within developed states are also down played. This neglect is likely to worsen inequality and contribute to social problems such as crime and racial tension.

In the 1970s family planning was widely promoted by welfare agencies in many developed countries. Developed nations at that time where well aware that working class people with limited income and education tend to have larger families than Middle class people , which is a major factor in economic inequality. Today, levels of inequality in developed countries have increased considerably yet family planning is given little priority. The connection between family size and economic status is also rarely discussed in the media.

Most developed countries have acknowledged that raising children has become much more expensive in recent decades and have increased welfare assistance for low-income families. There is also a concern that their populations are aging too quickly and that those who wish to have children should be encouraged to do so. Although global overpopulation is a serious concern, reproduction rates in some developed countries are indeed falling fast and their governments are right to encourage people to have more children.

However, Western governments are wrong to target assistance exclusively at low income families since reproduction rates are lowest among middle and high income earners. Higher income groups should also receive some incentives for having children. Providing tax concessions for having children might be a sensible starting point.

On family planning and the poor in New Zealand check out Michael Bassett's website.