4. Compare the 1967 pyramid with the pyramid for 1984. What changes can you identify in birth and death rates.
5. What are the positive impacts of the anti-natalist policies?
6. What problems might the country have faced if population had continued to change in the same way?
Faced with the success of the anti-natalist policies that were in place between 1972 and 1987, Singapore faced a shrinking population, issues associated with "greying" and worries about future numbers of workers and old age dependency. Previous anti-natalist policies were reversed and from 1986/7 families were being actively encouraged to "have three or more if you can afford it". the policies included those shown below.
Study these and briefly explain how each could contribute to higher birth rates. Which do you think were likely to be the most successful and why? What do you think would have been the opinion/feelings of Singaporean people on the change in policy?
