Population and Gender

The human family has grown more in the last 50 years than in all of previous human history. Such rapid population growth has strained many countries' capacities to address social issues, leaving many in poverty and driving a downward spiral of economic misery. Worldwatch research on population focuses on the many causes of population increase, including poverty, the inferior status of women in many societies, and inadequate access to public health. And it highlights a fortunate sociological truth: many of the policies that promote development, including quality education for girls, economic opportunity for women, and strong nutrition and health programs, also tend to help a nation stabilize its population.