Question

What are the two basic schools of thought regarding the demographic transition? How were these reflected in the three most recent global population conferences?

Short answer

The two basic schools of thought regarding the demographic transition are the Optimist and Pessimist schools of thought. The Optimist school views increasing population as a driver for economic growth, while the Pessimist school sees rapid population growth as a cause for resource depletion. These schools of thought were reflected in the three recent global population conferences where the Bucharest conference echoed the Pessimist view, the Mexico conference presented a balanced view, and the Cairo conference leaned towards the Optimist view.

Step-by-step solution

Define the Two Schools of Thought

One theory of Demographic transition is called the Optimist school of thought. It asserts that increasing population can result in economic growth, technological advancements, and structural changes. The Pessimist school of thought, on the other hand, maintains the perspective that rapid population growth can lead to resource depletion and environmental decline.

Identify the Three Most Recent Global Population Conferences

The three most recent global population conferences are: The Bucharest World Population Conference (1974), The Mexico International Conference on Population (1984), and The Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (1994).

Describe Reflection of Schools of Thought in Conferences

In the Bucharest Conference, the dominant thought was pessimistic where the conference recognized rapid population growth as a hindrance to development, echoing the Pessimist view. In the Mexico Conference, a more balanced view came into light suggesting that population and development are intimately connected, reflecting glimpses of both the Optimist and Pessimist views. By the Cairo Conference, the shift had changed towards a more Optimist school of thought, centering more on individuals, their rights and empowerment, thereby promoting economic development.