Population Case Studies

• China, population of 1.3 billion (largest in the world)
• One-child policy introduced in 1979
• Couples encouraged to only have one child.
• Couples that did only have one child were given benefits such as longer maternity leave, better housing and free education for the child.
• Couples that had more than one child lost all benefits and salary was fined.

• Women were forced toi have abortions as late as ninth month of pregnancy.
• Pressure was placed on women's conscience and feelings
• The government had power over people's private lives.
• Sons were often preferred over daughters, leaving some girls disowned or allowed to die.

• The predicted famine did not happen.
• There were enough food and jobs for people.
• Increased standard of living
• Less poverty

• In rural areas, couples are allowed a second child if first was a girl or physically disabled.
• If one of the parents has a disability, a second child is allowed.

• France
• Pronatal policy

Couples are given a range of incentives to have children:

• 3 years paid parental leave for either parent
• Full-time schooling starts at age 3, fully paid for by the government
• Day care for under 3s is subsidised by the government.
• The more children a women has, the earlier she can retire.

It has had some effect of producing a more favourable age structure and dependency ratio.

Poland to the UK

Push Factors:

• High unemployment in Poland
• Low average wages
• Housing shortages

Pull Factors:

• Ease of migration (Since Poland became part of the EU)
• More work and higher wages
• Good exchange rates

Impacts on Poland: 

• Population and birth rate fell
• Shortage of workers
• Economy boosted by money sent home

Impacts on UK:

• Population rose
• Economy boosted slightly 
• New shops and businesses
• Less jobs available

North Africa to EU (Spain)

• 2 million people forced from their homes because of war in Sierra Leone between 1991 and 2002.
• The migrants were refugees.

Impacts in African countries:

• Working population reduced
• Families separated

Impacts in Spain:

• More unskilled workers which fill gaps in labour
• Average wages for unskilled jobs fell
• Birth rate increased