PAKISTAN STUDIES NOTES-GRADE 10TH

Chapter # 7 – Population

7.1.4. Explain the Social, Educational, Economic and Political Factors which Contribute to the Population Growth in Pakistan.

What is Population Growth?

Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals residing in a particular area or region over a specified period of time. This growth can occur through various factors such as births, deaths, immigration, and emigration. When the rate of births and immigration exceeds the rate of deaths and emigration, it leads to a positive population growth, whereas if the rate of deaths and emigration exceeds the rate of births and immigration, it results in negative population growth or population decline. Population growth is a key demographic indicator that influences various aspects of society, including social, economic, and environmental factors.

Population growth in Pakistan is influenced by a complex interplay of social, educational, economic, and political factors. Here’s how each of these factors contributes to population growth:

1. Social Factors:
   • Cultural Norms: Traditional cultural norms and values, such as the desire for large families and the importance of having children for social status and security, can contribute to high fertility rates.
   • Religious Beliefs: Religious beliefs and practices, particularly in Islam, may encourage larger families as a means of fulfilling religious obligations and ensuring support in old age.
   • Early Marriage: Early marriage, especially among girls, is common in many parts of Pakistan. Early marriage often leads to early childbearing and contributes to higher fertility rates.
   • Lack of Awareness: Limited awareness and access to family planning services, as well as misconceptions about contraception, can lead to unintended pregnancies and higher birth rates.
2. Educational Factors:
   • Low Literacy Rates: Pakistan faces challenges related to low literacy rates, particularly among women. Lack of education, especially for girls and women, is associated with higher fertility rates as educated women tend to have fewer children.
   • Limited Access to Quality Education: Unequal access to quality education, especially in rural areas and among marginalized communities, hinders efforts to promote family planning and reproductive health awareness.
   • Gender Disparities: Gender disparities in education, with fewer educational opportunities for girls compared to boys, contribute to perpetuating high fertility rates and limited awareness of family planning methods.
3. Economic Factors:
   • Poverty: High levels of poverty and income inequality limit access to healthcare and family planning services, as well as educational opportunities.
   • Limited employment opportunities: Lack of job opportunities, particularly in rural areas, can lead to early marriages and larger family sizes as households rely on children for labor and support.
   • Dependency on agriculture: Pakistan’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, which often requires larger family sizes to support agricultural activities and manage land holdings.
4. Political Factors:
   • Inadequate healthcare infrastructure: Insufficient investment in healthcare infrastructure and services, particularly in rural areas, limits access to family planning services and maternal healthcare.
   • Policy limitations: Inconsistent or inadequate government policies related to family planning and reproductive health can hinder efforts to curb population growth.
   • Political instability: Political instability and conflict in certain regions can disrupt healthcare services and exacerbate economic hardships, further contributing to population growth.