Population Campaigns in China and India

High School

Tennessee Geographic Alliance One Day Geography Workshop

InstructorKristi Neuroth

Ravenwood High SchoolBrentwood, TN

Overview of Session•1. Introduction to global population.

•2. Analyzing population trends in China and India using geographic data.

•3. Class Brainstorm Session.

•4. Population Policies Assignment.

•5. Extension Activity

•6. Exit Slip.

Tennessee Standards•W.75 Explain why the Chinese and Indian governments have sought to control population growth and the methods they use. (C, G, P)

Connections to Common Core Standards

•CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.

•CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.5Analyze how a text uses structure to emphasize key points or advance an explanation or analysis.

Optional Introduction Activity

NOVA Global Trends Quiz

China and India – Population Trends

• Why do you think China and India have the highest populations in the world? What geographic factors may be at play?

China and India – Population Trends

As you look at recent population trends throughout the world, what do you notice?

Brainstorming

If you worked in the government in China or India and it was your job to create a program to reduce birthrates, what would you do?

Does your program provide incentives or punishments? Which do you think is more effective?

Two Case Studies: Population Campaigns in China and India

Using the “Population Campaigns” document, answer the questions on the student worksheet related to the population campaigns in China and India.

Additional Resources - China

EASING THE ONE-CHILD POLICY:

•CNN China’s Changing One-Child Policy: http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/28/world/asia/china-one-child-policy-official/

•BBC News “China Formally Eases One Child Policy”: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-25533339

•BBC News - The Side-Effect of No Siblings: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-25035280

•The Economist “China’s Population Policy”: http://www.economist.com/blogs/analects/2013/11/chinas-population-policy

Additional Resources - India

• BBC News “Is India’s population Policy sexist?” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14117505

• NOVA: Population Campaigns: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/population-campaign.html

• NY Times: India Tries Using Cash Bonuses to Slow Birthrates: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/world/asia/22india.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

• Berkley “Are the Population Policies in China and India responsible for the Fertility Decline?” http://bixby.berkeley.edu/are-the-population-policies-of-india-and-china/

Extension Activity

Create your own birthrate reduction campaign for China, India, or another country with a high birthrate. Your campaign must be feasible, appropriate, and convincing.

Exit Slip

1. What kind of cultural, political, or economic barriers might prevent people from reducing the birthrate? How might a government deal with these barriers?