by Sandra Dapper

Created on: November 18, 2007

Factors Affecting Human Population

Human population issues are extremely important when it comes to our way of life and our future on this planet. The way we disperse ourselves amongst countries and physical areas determines each person's opportunities regarding survival and happiness. Elements affecting population have been identified, and now it is up to the governments of developing countries to guide their people through the demographic transition as quickly and painlessly as possible. It is crucial that we assist and monitor these countries in order to further educate ourselves and preserve both us and our planet.

Religion, women's rights, male pride, societal status, and birth control are some of the major social variables that affect human populations, especially in developing countries. Many religions see birth control as something that promotes having sex early and often and prefer abstinence as a way of avoiding unwanted pregnancy and disease. In poorer countries this is unrealistic, since matters concerning sex are generally decided by men. As women gain rights, it becomes easier for them to access birth control and to decide for themselves on a number of children. Some cultures also see having many children as a way to raise one's socioeconomic status. Education, realistic values, and the advancement of women are ways that countries have combated the social reasons for an increasing population.

Developing political and economic systems are particularly prone to population problems. In areas where agricultural families cannot afford to hire labor, large numbers of children are born to meet these labor needs. Low-education and low-income households tend to have larger families. This can be because of high child mortality rates, a need for someone to care for the parents in the future, or perhaps less career opportunities for the mother. An initial rise in income could mean a higher fertility rate, as parents are now able to afford more children. As an economy develops, though, women are more likely to seek fulfillment in ways aside from being a mother.

Although we currently have more than enough food to feed our entire population, poor distribution means that food scarcity is a major issue. A growing population will only magnify this problem. Hopefully, as countries develop politically, the number and severity of famines will decrease. To be able to produce enough food in the future, we need to stop soil erosion by modifying our farming methods. Strip-farming,

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