Presents a role playing activity in which students develop expertise in planning policies for reducing birth rates in poor countries with rapidly increasing populations. (Author/DB)

Promulgates the position that the overpopulation issue is being coopted for women's health and social status. Questions whether or not raising women's status in itself will have any significant impact on lowering fertility rates. Suggests that the attempt to stabilize populations through empowerment of women is a dangerous mistake in societies…

Presents a literary review of the positions held concerning a central population issue, development within the ecosphere. Explores concerns posed by contemporary academic economists and ecologists. Suggests that demographers see the issue as an important area of research needing the expertise of several disciplines. (143 references) (MCO)