2.2 The effects of population growth and change on the lives of  (Page 6/6)

3. In 1981, another 50 years later, this particular group was already an “old” population. Place a ruler across the three pyramids above, allowing only the groups of 65 years and older to be visible. You will clearly notice how much bigger this group has become since 50 and 100 years earlier. It is also clear that the births (fertility) dropped even further, for between 1931 and 1981 birth control had become standard practice.

Activity 6:

To discuss a newspaper report and make inferences

[LO 3.1, 3.3]

GROUP WORK

Work in groups of two or three and complete the following assignment:

Carefully read the newspaper report below, discuss it and talk about the questions before answering them:

CONCERN ABOUT GERMANS WANTING NO MORE CHILDREN

BERLIN - The fact that Germans are no longer keen on having children, is causing a big headache for politicians and employers in the largest European economy.

The United Nations predicts that the German population of 82 million will drop to 70,8 million in 2050. A study by Germany’s federal institute for demographic research has found that 26% of the men and 15% of the women between the age of 20 and 39 do not wish to start a family, compared to 12% of the men and 10% of the women in 1992.

According to this study there is a “growing conviction (under Germans) that having children is no ideal lifestyle.”

With its rapidly aging population, Germany is also setting itself apart from its European neighbours in other ways. German women prefer to have an average of 1,7 children, compared to two children per family in other European countries. The study also shows that 83% of the respondents regard the lack of a partner or a stable relationship as the main reason for not wanting to have children. Almost 60% said that concerns about the future awaiting their children, have persuaded them to remain childless. – (Sapa – AFP)

Translated from Die Burger, 16 May 2005

a) “German women prefer to have an average of 1,7 children , compared to at least two children per family in other countries.” How does this work? Can anybody have 1,7 children?

b) Women in other European countries (outside Germany) prefer to have two children. What influence would two children per family have on a country’s population in the long run?

c) Think of at least two reasons why a country would have a problem if its citizens no longer want to have children.

d) Give two reasons why Germans do not want to have children.

e) Germany already has an “ageing” or “old” population. Draw population pyramids for Germany – (a) depicting the present situation and b) what it will probably look like in 2050.

Assessment

Memorandum

Activity 1:

a) Hot deserts

b) Ice deserts

c) The Amazon opens up the interior; people settle along the river and its important tributaries.

d) Due to the presence of the Nile (in the surrounding desert region).

e) Australia is urbanised, most people live in towns and cities.

The map indicates such a distribution.

In Australia between 85% and 90% of the population lives in the cities and larger towns.

Activity 2:

a) If fewer births and deaths occur, it could lead to a decrease, but also when more people emigrate than babies are born.

b) The pyramid representing India will differ the most.

Activity 4:

The purpose of this activity is to inform the learners that a drastic increase, for example a doubling of population in a short period of time, might have serious consequences for any government – local, provincial or national! After the exercise the learner will also realise that the problems in towns and cities could be the same. Only the extent of the problems are different.

Water supply

Electricity supply

In many cases the delivery of services, that are planned in advance, will “collapse”.

Sewage

Building roads and streets

A shortage of new houses will occur

Employment will be a problem

Schools must be built (not primarily the function of local government).

Crime will increase, etc.

Activity 5:

1. increase

2. death rate

3. high

4. smaller

5. grow

6. life expectancy

Activity 6:

a) This figure was determined when the preferences of a group of women were added together and the average was determined.

b) Two children per family results in a population that does not grow (remains static), because the births cancel the two parents when they eventually die.

c) Who will do the work (many kinds) one day? (Workers from elsewhere is not the ideal solution!) Houses, schools, etc. will fall into a state of disrepair because they will not be occupied.

d) The Germans are concerned about the future. A lack of a partner or a stable relationship was stated as reasons.

aThis pyramid will closely resemble the one in figure 3(d)bThis pyramid will closely resemble the one in figure 3(d), but the learners will demonstrate insight if the bottom depicts a marked smaller proportion (thinner).e)