Article 4: BBc News
This article discusses the population decline in Russia, their alternative solutions for the problem, and negative results from the population collapse.
Summary:
In the past couple years, several studies have shown that Russia is struggling with their population. At one point Russia experienced zero population growth, but currently they are at a quick decline in population. Russia has developed several alternatives to help steer their problem away from disaster. One of their alternatives is to encourage Russian mothers to have more than one child and by doing this, they are offering to provide benefits of $10,000 once the child has turned three years old. This is not officially established as a pro-natalist policy, but the government is definitely eager for mothers to have several children. Another alternative would be to welcome immigrants to help with the workforce. Russia has a very low dependency ratio, meaning that because men in Russia do not normally live past the age of 60, there are not enough people to recover and replace the workers. They need immigrants to sustain their economy, or else Russia could have severe economic problems. The problem that arises with this alternative is that Russia is not open to other cultures, and the idea of mixing cultures is unsettling for their society.
opinion:
Russia is in one of the worst demographic positions compared to many other countries. Unfortunately, Russia has struggled with a decrease in population for a long time. Although there are several alternatives to Russia's problem, none of these solutions have been officially established. I think Russia should definitely hire guest workers, or allow immigrants to move to their country to support the workforce. I think the incentives Russia provides are also encouraging ways to increase their population. If Russia does not stop their population from rapid decline, they will experience a depression or major economic struggles. Russia needs to be accepting of other cultures and religions in order to save their country from potential destruction.
The additional problem of Russia's male life expectancy rate being sixty years of age (twelve years younger than a woman's life expectancy rate) is particularly alarming. The article mentions the causes of death in these males were alcoholism, traffic accidents, and low-quality alcohol. Another solution to increase male life expectancy rates would be to enforce preventative measures concerning alcohol. Russia could provide educational classes on the dangers of alcoholism and could make available treatment facilities for Russians dealing with these problems. There are several solutions to Russia's population problems, and hopefully new regulations will be established to prevent the country from experiencing disaster.
The additional problem of Russia's male life expectancy rate being sixty years of age (twelve years younger than a woman's life expectancy rate) is particularly alarming. The article mentions the causes of death in these males were alcoholism, traffic accidents, and low-quality alcohol. Another solution to increase male life expectancy rates would be to enforce preventative measures concerning alcohol. Russia could provide educational classes on the dangers of alcoholism and could make available treatment facilities for Russians dealing with these problems. There are several solutions to Russia's population problems, and hopefully new regulations will be established to prevent the country from experiencing disaster.
Pensions: a regular payment made during a person's retirement from an investment fund to which that person or the employer has contributed during their working life
Inducements: a thing that persuades or influences someone to do something
Child rearing: the process of bringing up child or children
Xenophobic: having or showing an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries
Wary: feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems
Inducements: a thing that persuades or influences someone to do something
Child rearing: the process of bringing up child or children
Xenophobic: having or showing an intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries
Wary: feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems