| Abstract: | Rapid and uncontrolled population growth in developing countries is of concern to workers and trade unionists because: 1) it directly affect s a country's prosperity and social infrastructure; and 2) it will swell the ranks of the unemployed unless remarkable efforts are made to increase employment opportunities. A brief review of population figures is given. As a result of these statistics a joint statement was issued by the heads of state of 30 countries calling for population control activities. The chief weapon is education. The problem is that educational needs vary from area to area. The educational system in many countries of Asia is still the same as when it was introduced perhaps a century ago. In these areas there is clear need for more liberal policies of general education with improved methods. The main job of population control and education lies with the government but tra de unions should: 1) integrate family planning education with regular labor educational programs; 2) broaden occupational health services to cover family planning activities; 3) cooperate with voluntary agencies and government clinics in disseminating information, arranging lectures, and providing medical advice; 4) urge employers to provide lecture halls and necessary eqiupment, to integrate family planning with other educational activities, and where possible to provide such instruction; 5) open up trade union newsletters, mass meetings, and such to family planning. More use should be made of such mass media as radio and television. All activities should be voluntary as too much coercion will result in predictably negative attitudes on the part of workers. F amily behavior is quite complex. In some areas improved housing lowers the birthrate, in others the increased privacy increases it. Much research is needed; a concentration of studies in areas of declining fertility might yield results of great value that could serve as guidelines. |
