Birth Dearth

Developed countries have been experiencing ageing population, like Europe, Japan and Singapore. Experts say that India will have the largest population in the world rather than China in the years to come, as China population has been decreasing due to the 1 child policy.

Reasons for reduce in the number of births

-Mainly caused by the policy implemented by the government

>Singapore
Ø the 2 child policy launched in Singapore in the 1960s - use of contraceptives was encouraged and abortion was legalized.
Ø No paid maternity leave for third children onwards
Ø No income tax relief

>Japan

Ø Data quoted from an organization state that the actual number of abortions in Japan at two to three times the "official" number of about 410,000 a year in 1996.

-Overpopulation

Ø resulting from baby boom

Ø There will be overwhelming population searching for limited jobs.

Ø If the birth control policies are implement, parents’ resources can be limited to only a few children, so each child can get more attention as well as increased chances of getting higher education.

-Growing urbanization

Øwomen now have education and jobs

-Later and fewer marriages, more divorces



Disadvantages

Ø The countries experiencing ageing population will be less attractive to the investors as the country will not be able to produce enough talents to sustain its development. Also, with fewer young workers who are cheaper to employ and more nimble with their hands and are more up to date in their skills and training. This means that the productivity rate will decrease and this may affect the business of the company.

Ø Fewer men eligible for NS, a great threat to the safety of Singapore.

Ø Great strain on country’s resources, have to channel large sum of money to build infrastructure for the elderly.

Solutions to the Birth Dearth

Ø Encourage citizens to have more children
> Baby bonuses
> Income tax relief
> Delivery charges can be paid through other channel
>An eligible female employee is entitled to absent herself from work for four weeks immediately before and eight weeks immediately after delivery. Where there is a mutual agreement with the employer, the extended four weeks (9th to 12th week) of maternity leave can be taken flexibly over a six-month period after the child's birth. [Singapore]

Ø Support from Family
> Relatives or parents help to take care of the children while the parents go to work

Ø More child care centres are being set up