Population Dynamics

1. Population Growth

Over 6 billion people today. Doubles every 47 years. Increases by 98 million annually. 90% of annual growth occurs in developing countries, primarily South Asia, Africa and China

U.S., Canada and Europe have small, zero or negative population growth.

Problems with rapid population growth:

· Infrastructure (roads, sewer, water, electricity, etc..) can’t keep up

· Lack of jobs, housing, and food

· The above prevents industrialization and development. Leads to crime and violence.

2. Components of Population Size: Mortality, Fertility and Migration

Mortality

Industrialization leads to higher life expectancy and lower infant death rates. Exception – Russia

How does change from high mortality to low mortality affect society?

· Higher mortality: “today” mentality
Lower mortality: “tomorrow” mentality. Delay gratification.

· Higher mortality: Religion needed to explain now and provide hope for future

Lower mortality: Religion needed to provide help now (ex. social services)

Fertility

Fertility declines with industrialization:

· Birth control

· Decreasing fertility leads to higher per capita GDP

· More women in workforce and professional occupations

· Marriage trends

· Urbanization

· Role of religion decreases

· Cost of children increasing

Problems with low fertility:

· Social security system

· Aging work force, but “work” is and will change:

· Physical work requirements

· Postpone retirement

Migration: In, out and around

Americans move more than people in other countries – “go west” phenomenon

· 20% move annually

· 1 million immigrants enter U.S. per year

· 10% of population is immigrants

· 4-8 million of immigrant population is illegal

Migration Issues:

· Jobs

· Border Control

· Proposition 187 and 226 in California