Question

Compare and contrast the approaches to limiting population growth taken by the Chinese and Indian governments. In your opinion, which government has approached this issue in a more admirable way?

Answer 1

China and India both pursue policies to discourage population growth, driven by a similar need to curb the strain that their large populations have placed on the available land, food, and water. China, with the world’s largest population, controversially limits its population with a one-child policy. In contrast, India pursues less restrictive policies aimed at raising the economic and social status of women through education and increased access to health care facilities, contraception, and women’s clubs. Both China and India have been criticized for violating human rights because their cultures both place greater value on male children. This value has created a greater demographic ratio of males to females because females face higher instances of abortion, infanticide, and neglect.