Question

(a) “United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs indicated that India has overtaken China as the world’s most populous country in the month of April 2023.”
Explain the consequences of the one-child policy adopted by China in the 1970s.

Hint:

Relate demographic challenges like aging and gender imbalance to the long-term impacts of population policies.

Answer 1

Aging population due to a decline in birth rates, leading to a shrinking workforce and higher dependency ratios. Gender imbalance caused by a preference for male children, resulting in sex-selective abortions. Economic slowdown due to a reduced workforce, affecting industrial productivity and innovation. Increased burden on the younger generation to support elderly family members.