Answer Two Of The Following Questions. Each Answer Should Be ✓ Solved

Answer TWO of the following questions. Each answer should be a

Answer TWO of the following questions. Each answer should be a minimum of 750 words. Your answers should reflect information from the class lectures, readings, videos, and class discussions. You do not have to conduct outside research. Use APA for citations.

1. Review and critically discuss the problem of population growth. Who would you side with in the debate between Ehrlich and Simon and why? What are some ideas for slowing population growth?
2. Review and critically discuss the problem of immigration as presented by Steven Gold (Immigration Benefits America Society, September 2009) and class lectures, discussions, and videos.
3. There are two parts to this question. First, who was Kitty Genovese and what happened to her that came to be known as the “bystander effect”? Second, review the urban theory of Marx, Durkheim, or Weber as discussed in the article, “Classical Theories.”
4. Review and critically discuss the “Great Migration” of African-Americans out of the southern states and into the urban north during the first half of the 20th century.

Paper For Above Instructions

The problem of population growth is one of the most pressing issues the world faces today. As global population continues to rise, with projections indicating a possible reach of over 9 billion by 2050 (United Nations, 2019), the debate surrounding the implications and potential solutions has intensified. Two notable figures in this debate are Paul Ehrlich and Julian Simon, who present contrasting viewpoints on the relationship between population growth and resource availability. This paper will critically discuss the arguments from both sides, propose ideas for slowing population growth, and elucidate my stance in this debate.

The Debate: Ehrlich vs. Simon

Paul Ehrlich, author of the seminal work "The Population Bomb," posits that unchecked population growth leads to overconsumption, depletion of resources, environmental degradation, and ultimately, societal collapse. Ehrlich advocates for immediate measures to curb population growth, such as family planning, education, and government policies to promote smaller families (Ehrlich & Ehrlich, 2013). In contrast, Julian Simon, an economist, contends that human ingenuity can overcome resource constraints. He argues that as population increases, so does the potential for innovation, leading to more efficient use of existing resources and the discovery of alternatives (Simon, 1981).

My sympathy lies with Ehrlich's perspective. The urgency of the population crisis is palpable; as more people inhabit the Earth, the strain on food production, water supply, and energy resources escalates exponentially. Notably, regions that are already impoverished are likely to be disproportionately affected by this population growth, exacerbating existing issues of poverty and inequality (Satterthwaite, 2014). Although I acknowledge Simon's point regarding human innovation, the reality is that technological advancements often do not keep pace with the rapid growth in population, leading to more acute crises.

Ways to Slow Population Growth

To mitigate the impacts of population growth, several strategies can be employed. First and foremost, education—especially of women—plays a crucial role in slowing population growth. Studies consistently show that when women receive education, they tend to have fewer children (UNESCO, 2014). Accordingly, investments in education and family planning resources can lead to empowered individuals who make informed decisions regarding reproduction.

Moreover, promoting access to health care and reproductive services is essential. Countries that provide comprehensive sexual health education and family planning services typically see a decline in birth rates. Programs that supply contraceptives and promote reproductive health can significantly lower unintended pregnancies, allowing families to make choices that suit their circumstances (Cleland et al., 2012).

Lastly, promoting sustainable development practices can help create a balance between population growth and resource availability. Policies aimed at improving agricultural practices, conserving water, and finding renewable energy sources can alleviate some of the stress caused by an increasing population (Tilman et al., 2011).

Conclusion

In summary, the problem of population growth remains a critical issue that must be addressed promptly and effectively. While both Ehrlich and Simon present compelling arguments, I find myself more aligned with Ehrlich due to the clear risks posed by unsustainable growth. By focusing on education, health care access, and sustainable practices, we can pave the way toward a more manageable population trajectory that ensures resource availability for future generations.

To encapsulate, the following points highlight the necessity for immediate action to combat population growth: empowering women through education, ensuring access to reproductive health care, and promoting sustainable development. Only through these concerted efforts can we hope to maintain the delicate balance between population size and resource availability in the coming decades.

References

• Cleland, J., Fishburn, J., & Hinde, A. (2012). Family Planning in 2012: Good Progress but Unfinished Agenda. The Lancet, 380(9837), 1142-1151.
• Ehrlich, P. R., & Ehrlich, A. (2013). The Population Bomb Revisited. The New American, 29(7), 25-30.
• Simon, J. L. (1981). The Ultimate Resource. Princeton University Press.
• Satterthwaite, D. (2014). The Role of Urban Centres in Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction. International Institute for Environment and Development.
• Tilman, D., Balzer, C., Hill, J., & Befort, B. L. (2011). Global Food Demand and the Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(50), 20260-20264.
• United Nations (2019). World Population Prospects 2019: Highlights. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
• UNESCO (2014). Teaching and Learning: Achieving Quality for All. Education for All Global Monitoring Report.