8.1.5—Direct population policies
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Objective
- 8.1.5
- Level
- HL
Direct Policies Name Their Target
Direct population policies explicitly target births or migration: anti-natalist policies seek fewer births, pro-natalist policies seek more births, and migration policies alter immigration or emigration.
| Named policy | Direct target | Measures and limits |
|---|---|---|
| China's one-child policy (1980–2016) | lower birth rate | restrictions and incentives reduced births but created rights and age-sex-structure concerns |
| Singapore's 'Stop at Two' (1972–87) | lower birth rate | family planning, smaller-family benefits and media changed fertility behaviour |
| Singapore's later 'Have three or more if you can afford it' | raise birth rate | maternity leave, childcare and child benefits sought more births, with limited response |
| skilled-worker immigration policy | raise selected immigration | fills labour gaps but changes age structure, rights and integration needs |
Evaluate intended rate, cultural and religious context, economic and social measures, rights, uptake, time lag and measured outcome.
Anti- or pro-natalist describes intent, not automatic success or ethical acceptability.