Population - [CASE STUDY] Ageing population

Question 1

What is the location used for the case study and the name of the policy?

Answer 1

France.

pro-natalist policy, 1939.

Question 2

What was the concern?

Answer 2

That the population was not going to replace itself over time.

Question 3

Why does France have a low birth rate?

Answer 3

• Education - People are more aware of the availability of contreception and consequences an unplanned pregnancy can have on their career.
• Women in careers - Women may choose to follow their career choice rather than start a family while young.
• Later marriages.
• State benefits - Couples no longer need children to help care for them when older.

Question 4

How did France overcome the issue?

Answer 4

• Cash incentive of £675 per month (Nearly the minimum wage) for a mother to stay off work for a year following the birth of a 3rd child.
• Large family card, giving large reductions on train fares.
• More children, less income tax to pay.
• Government subsidised daycare for children under 3 and full time school places over 3.

Question 5

Has it worked?

Answer 5

Yes, France has one of Europe’s highest fertility rates now.