Summary
Some have argued that population growth deters development, while others claim that population growth either aids development or has no significant effect on development. In a sample of South Pacific nations, population growth and size were found to be unrelated to economic development, defined as GDP per capita. However, when indices of quality of life or social development such as mortality, health services and education were used, population growth and size were found to be negatively related to these indices. If these “quality of life” indices are valued by nations, an argument may exist for policy support for family planning.
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Ahlburg, D.A. Is population growth a deterrent to development in the South Pacific?. Journal of Population Research 5, 46–57 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03029385
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03029385