Unit 4 - Essays - Ageing and Youthful Populations

Question 1

‘The main impact of an ageing population on a country is social.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree?

Answer 1

1. Social impacts are severe and widespread (agree)

Japan: Increased care burden on families, especially women

Rise of elderly isolation and mental health issues (e.g., “kodokushi”)

Shrinking youth population leads to school closures, social fragmentation

2. Economic impacts are equally or more serious (challenge)

Labour shortages in key sectors

25%+ of government spending on pensions and healthcare

Slower GDP growth and rising dependency ratio (1.3 workers per dependent by 2050)

3. Political consequences reinforce ageing issues

“Grey power politics” leads to conservative policies prioritizing elderly interests

Resistance to immigration and reform slows economic renewal

4. Environmental and spatial impacts are also notable

Rural land abandonment, “ghost villages”

Urban overcrowding in ageing districts needing accessible infrastructure

Conclusion

Social impacts are highly visible, but economic and political effects are equally or more significant. Ageing affects every sector—making it inaccurate to label it solely a social issue.

Question 2

‘The main impact of a youthful population on a country is economic.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree

Answer 2

1. Economic pressures are undeniable (agree)

Gambia: 40%+ youth unemployment, high dependency ratio

Increased public spending on education, health, infrastructure

Low productivity and reduced national savings

2. But social consequences are just as serious (challenge)

Overcrowded schools (e.g., 1:45+ ratio), poor health services

Urban overcrowding and increased crime risk

Rural-urban migration and pressure on housing

3. Environmental effects complicate management

Deforestation and resource degradation due to high household demand

Overstretched urban water and waste systems in Banjul, Serrekunda

4. Political tensions and instability risks

Rising frustration among unemployed youth can trigger unrest

Migration pressures to Europe and rising international concerns

Conclusion

Economic effects dominate policy agendas, but social, environmental, and political consequences are equally critical. The youthful population’s impact is multifaceted.

Question 3

‘The main impact of an ageing population on a country is economic.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement?

Answer 3

1. Economic costs are substantial (agree)

Japan: Labour shortages, slow growth, high pension/healthcare spending

Elderly dependency ratio: 51 elderly per 100 working-age people

2. But the social burden is deep and emotional (challenge)

Mental health issues, loneliness, family stress in caring for elderly

Gender inequality: women bear most caregiving responsibilities

3. Political inertia adds to the challenge

Policy gridlock due to elderly voter dominance

Delayed reforms in immigration and pensions due to electoral pressure

4. Environmental and spatial issues reflect broader impacts

Rural land abandonment and urban eldercare infrastructure strain

“Ghost villages” and environmental neglect in depopulated regions

Conclusion

Economic impacts are dominant, but social and political dimensions significantly amplify the challenge. A balanced view shows ageing is a deeply systemic issue.

Question 4

With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which economic factors are responsible for a youthful population structure in LICs/MICs

Answer 4

1. Strong link between poverty and high fertility (agree)

Gambia: children seen as economic assets in farming households

Families have more children to increase household labour and survival

2. Social and cultural influences also key (challenge)

Early marriage and low contraceptive use driven by tradition

Female education levels remain low, reinforcing early motherhood

3. Political and institutional weaknesses

Limited family planning policies and health infrastructure

Religious influence resists modern contraception uptake

4. Environmental and rural-urban disparities

Rural dependence on traditional livelihoods encourages large families

Urban youth face unemployment, but rural youth drive population growth

Conclusion

Economic factors are major drivers, but the youthful population structure in LICs/MICs also stems from entrenched social norms and weak institutions. Causes are interlinked.