Reconceptualization of population education
Sikes, O.J.
Population Education in Asia and the Pacific Newsletter 38: 16-19
1993
PMID: 12286767 Document Number: 328095
Early attempts at population education were broad-based and did not establish priorities. The definition of population education has not changes, but a need has emerged for clear objectives and a reconceptualization. The basic goal is to convince people that they can control events in their lives, including reproductive behavior (marriage age, family size, and other decisions). Attention needs to be directed to the following topics; 1) the relationships between population and the environment; 2) family life and human sexuality; 3) gender; 4) family planning issues such as family size, first birth, prevention of birth defects, and parenthood as an option; 5) early development of responsibility. The message should be that the population size can have a significant effect on the environment. Family life and sexuality issues should be culturally sensitive, and caution is urged in use of western models.