Social Science
ystaples
overpopulation_as_a_cause_of_poverty.pptxGlobal Social Issues and Change Paper and Presentation Name: Course: Instructor: Date:
Introduction
Poverty is a global issue that affects not only developing countries but also parts of developed economies (Zeaman, J., 2002).
The causes of poverty are pervasive and massive and range from social, economic and political issues.
One of the social issue that is largely related to poverty is overpopulation.
Overpopulation is defined as the condition of having huge numbers of individuals while resources are very few with too little space (Zeaman, J., 2002).
A high population density overstretches the available resources in the country since the resources can only sustain a specific number of individuals (McKisson, 1990).
There are many causes of poverty globally including political interference, international sanctions, natural calamities, among others. However, overpopulation has proved to be one of the major causes of poverty not only in the developing countries as it was thought before, but also in developed countries (McKisson, 1990).
2
Affected population groups and effect of overpopulation on global social change
Low income-earning people are mostly affected by overpopulation since they are not able to access most resources as compared to high income-earners (Stefoff, R., 1993).
Children and women are also affected since they are unable to access medical services such as vaccination and maternity services respectively.
Overpopulation has resulted to depletion of natural resources as a result of deforestation.
Overstretching of natural resources in turn results to conflicts and wars as populations fight for the available resources such as water and land.
For instance, deforestation comes along with other natural calamities such as drought and famine since trees and vegetation play an important role in precipitation (Zeaman, J., 2002).
Effects of overpopulation are felt by all the people in the world but the effects tend to be more intense to certain population groups in the society. This includes low and middle-income earners, children and women. In terms of health care services access, research has shown that women and children face more effects than men (Zeaman, J., 2002).
3
Resistance to the depletion of natural resources and how population groups deal with overpopulation
However, there has been awareness to the public on importance of preserving natural resources (Stefoff, R., 1993).
People have endorsed reforestation and rehabilitation of forests to curb the problems associated with deforestation.
People especially women have solved overpopulation issue by adopting family planning measures. Few children are manageable even with scarce resources hence reducing the rate of poverty.
The society especially women have adopted sex education especially to young girls to avoid early pregnancies. This greatly reduces overpopulation and therefore reduces poverty.
Additionally, with immunization being made free by the government, most low income earners have accessed health services for their children hence reducing poverty levels (Lansford Publishing Company., 1972).
Despite the many factors that call for depletion of natural resources, there has been creation of awareness by the government and the relevant bodies on environment preservation. This includes reforestation, forestation and wildlife preservation and the public has positively endorsed the measures. Family planning has widely spread in many countries globally and despite the little resistance it faces, it has yielded positive results in population control (Stefoff, R., 1993).
4
Demographic Transition theory
Demographic Transition theory is an effective theory as it gives a direction on the protocol that outlines how uncontrolled population growth has risen in the society (Lansford Publishing Company., 1972).
It also outlines probable solutions for the future, with the condition of women as a key aspect.
Survey sampling techniques test the usefulness of radio soap operas in family size reduction in developing countries.
A study of women status in the making and supply of food suggests methods of endorsing local solutions to prevent famine.
The study of communal change and public movements present models for developing essential solutions to overpopulation.
It is the most effective as it looks into the future and provides necessary solutions for the same (McKisson, 1990).
There are many theories on population but Demographic transition theory is considered the most effective as it assesses future possible occurrences and their likely solutions. Implementation of these suggestions have helped a great deal in curbing overpopulation globally (McKisson, 1990).
5
References
McKisson, M., & MacRae-Campbell, L. (1990). Our Divided World: Poverty, Hunger & Overpopulation. Our Only Earth Series. A Curriculum for Global Problem Solving. Zephyr Press, P.O. Box 13448-W, Tucson, AZ 85732-3448 (Order No. ZEO4-W, $16.95.
Zeaman, J. (2002). Overpopulation. New York: Franklin Watts.
Stefoff, R. (1993). Overpopulation. New York: Chelsea House Publishers.
Einspruch, A. (2013). Overpopulation. New York: PowerKids Press.
Lansford Publishing Company. (1972). Overpopulation. Lansford Pub. Co
