Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I read a little bit on demographics when I can find something. Its interesting that the natural assumption is that declines in population are always bad. I don't think governments like them because it means fewer taxpayers. I don't think business likes it because it means fewer customers. But I guess there are some advantages to a declining population. Less need to use up natural resources. No need to build a lot more schools, homes, roads etc. I know Japan is going through this, and certain intellectuals are upset about it, but I'm not sure the common folks are. The more I think about it though, I don't see a problem with a shrinking population. Anyone want to set me straight.
I read a little bit on demographics when I can find something. Its interesting that the natural assumption is that declines in population are always bad. I don't think governments like them because it means fewer taxpayers. I don't think business likes it because it means fewer customers. But I guess there are some advantages to a declining population. Less need to use up natural resources. No need to build a lot more schools, homes, roads etc. I know Japan is going through this, and certain intellectuals are upset about it, but I'm not sure the common folks are. The more I think about it though, I don't see a problem with a shrinking population. Anyone want to set me straight.
My first reaction to a declining population is that there are less young people to pay for/take care of the older generations. Older people may have to work longer and not retire, meaning that there won't be as many jobs open. I guess it could possibly result in a situation kind of like what we have now with the economy.
I read a little bit on demographics when I can find something. Its interesting that the natural assumption is that declines in population are always bad. I don't think governments like them because it means fewer taxpayers. I don't think business likes it because it means fewer customers. But I guess there are some advantages to a declining population. Less need to use up natural resources. No need to build a lot more schools, homes, roads etc. I know Japan is going through this, and certain intellectuals are upset about it, but I'm not sure the common folks are. The more I think about it though, I don't see a problem with a shrinking population. Anyone want to set me straight.
Well, for one thing I'd like enough young workers coming up behind me to keep Social Security viable for a while!
A declining global population isn't a problem because wages would rise to compensate for the lack of labor. However, a declining national population is a problem for the welfare states because you need a certain amount of workers to pay for the old people.
Its interesting that the natural assumption is that declines in population are always bad.
I don't think governments like them because it means fewer taxpayers.
I don't think business likes it because it means fewer customers.
But I guess there are some advantages to a declining population.
Less need to use up natural resources.
No need to build a lot more schools, homes, roads etc.
The more I think about it though, I don't see a problem with a shrinking population.
Anyone want to set me straight?
Nope. I think you're on the right track.
The issue is striking a balance between the several conflicting interests.
The first step is not continuing to expand the population.
That'll be hard enough to achieve but that value is more easily apparent.
As someone pointed out, Social Security will be in a bind because of fewer young workers, but that is really a problem with SS. It always used the work of the working population to pay for the elderly. IMHO, that's a problem with the program. Let people save for their own retirement, rather than being irresponsible and expecting others to work to support them. Our whole govt. network of programs has encouraged an environment of laziness and irresponsibility among far too many people. I wonder if a declining population would mean less of this govt. safety net, and a return to more personal responsibility?
China isn't a welfare state though. As their labor pool declines they will see wages rise to compensate.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
On the other hand the earth can supply only so much clean water,handle so much pollution and feed so many people.
