rjc_population and demographics/pamelasuzannelim/10s416

In both passages, the writers see population problems as a threat. Which argument is more relevant to your country?

The first author says that inequality within a country stymies the development of a peaceful country. However, in my society despite being a multi-cultural society, there is little discrepancy amongst the population. Thus, the first author’s concerns are irrelevant to my society.

On the other hand, the second author raises issues that are present in Singapore. The declining birth rates. The author states that, “Some of today’s largest developed nations are expected to see population declines during the next 30 years.” He has also specifically mentioned that Singapore is indeed one of the many countries which fall under this category. I do agree that this is one of the significant menaces Singapore faces. It is evident that the government is deeply concerned and has suggested many alternative ways in ensuring the population is at replacement levels. Some of the methods include introducing many family policies to encourage the birth rates as well as recruiting foreign talent in order to prevent an aging population. Through the government’s conscious efforts and uncountable speeches, we can easily tell the shortage of human resources would be a threat to country. However while the government consistently tries to increase the population of the country, they have little regard for the geographical limitations Singapore has. With the limited land, a population of 6 million may bring about more problems even if the existing ones such a lack of manpower is resolved. If the country is too densely populated problems such as a shortage of facilities would introduce another set of problems. Thus, while the the sub-replacement levels of the population does pose as a problem, overpopulation is something we have to consider if too. Therefore, there is a need for the government to use appropriate strategies to solve the ever changing problems when they come by.