The value of the study of demography is clear from the scope of this important field of study. Since the scope is constantly increasing, therefore, it shows the growing recognition of its importance. Demography helps in the understanding of population problems particularly of the less developed regions of the world. It also helps in planning the population of developed and undeveloped countries. International agencies are publishing data in this connection from time to time. The importance of demographical studies is clarified by the observation of the implications of rapid population growth. The chief problem concerning population in a country is to control population growth in correlation with the growth of health amenities, food supplies employment, education and housing. Demographical studies point out the conditions and requirements in these areas so that future development and growth may be planned accordingly. In brief, the following points may be noted about the importance of demography:
1. Health Planning:
Persistent high fertility causes significant health problems, both for the mother and the child. In most of the developing counties married women’s are characterised by continuous nutritional drain from repeated pregnancies. Premature curtailment of breast feeding is an important cause of high infant mortality. High fertility is connected with underdevelopment of children. Since demography studies fertility and connected problems therefore its study is a must for health planning of the country.
2. Planning of Food Supply:
Planning of food supply means availability of adequate food for total population, both in quality as well as in quantity. Inadequate food supply results in growth retardation high mortality rates, poor health, low physical activity and consequently low productivity. Therefore food supply must grow in correlation with population growth. Thus planning of food supply requires and presupposes population studies. In a particular nation it may not be possible to meet demands of food supply within the country. Different nations today very much depend upon other nations for food supply. Besides, undeveloped and underdeveloped countries cannot meet the demands of food supply without the help of international agencies. Therefore, Population Council and Population Division of UNO study population growth and food supply on an international basis so that help may be advanced to undeveloped and underdeveloped countries.
3. Employment Planning:
Employment is an international problem these days. Unemployment and under development is fast growing not only in the economically backward countries but also in more developed nations. A demographic factor of considerable importance is the high dependency ratio in less developed countries such as
4. Educational Planning:
Every nation today is concerned with providing proper education to the children. The number of children however, is constantly increasing. Therefore, educational planning for children requires demographical planning. This is also required in the case of uneducated adults. For example in
5. Housing Planning:
Demand for housing increases with the increase in the size of population. Therefore data for mortality, fertility, migration and family formation provide basis for estimates of housing required. For example, according to the estimates prepared by the Economic and Social Commission for
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