Responding to those who argue that resources spent saving lives in impoverished and overpopulated regions are wasted, Klaus Leisinger and Karin Schmitt set forth the components of strategies that can bring down birth rates in an ethically acceptable way. They explain that development must:
foster a political, legal, and economic environment that supports human development
focus on the satisfaction of basic human needs
improve the social status of women
All Our People provides an in-depth, balanced treatment of such factors as human consumption patterns, the ethical issues surrounding population policy, and the role of women in development issues. The authors consider the wide range of conditions necessary to mitigate problems associated with population growth and the environment, including reformed attitudes and behavior patterns among people in industrial countries as well as global changes in economic, social, and political structures.
Contents
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Contents Foreword, by Robert S. McNamara Part I Introduction Value Judgments in the Population Policy Debate The Authors' Subjective Values Conclusions Part II Data and Facts on Population Growth World Population and Its Growth The Limits of Long-range Popualtion Projections Population in Industrial and Developing Countries Population in Developing Countries: Regional Distribution and Growth Special Demographic Characteristics of Developing Countries Urbanization Part III Determinants of High Fertility Religious and Sociocultural Norms Socioeconomic Determinants of High Fertility Part IV The Effects of Rapid Population Growth Introduction: Controversial Theories The Negative Effects of Rapid Population Growth Conclusion: Rapid Population Growth Impedes Sustainable and Humane Development Part V The Demographic Transition Theory ""Traditional"" and ""Modern"" Societies The Three Phases of the Transition The Demographic Transition of Europe: A Model for Developing Countries? Conclusion Part VI Requirements for an Ethically Acceptable Population Policy Moral Issues in Population Policy An Evaluation of Various Programs for Controlling Population Growth Social Change Economic Prerequisites Prerequisites of Social Policy The Role of Birth Control Techniques and Technology Women as Agents of Change Part VII Overview and Conclusion The Facts The Problems The Beam in Our Eye Population Policy with a Human Face The End Does Not Justify the Means Cooperation Is Indispensable Notes Bibliography Index"
