Suchergebnisse

Factors resulting in individual motivation to limit family size are presented. An abstract model of rational & moral choice is applied to Mexico's current policy of population control. In addition to education, the policy provides for birth control devices through public health clinics. That voluntary limitation of family size is rational & moral individual behavior is substantiated by several assumptions: (1) lowered population growth is an important factor in determining standard of living; (2) the social benefits; (3) numerous SE groups would be adversely affected by such limitations; & (4) the benefits to the average family would outweigh the costs. Cooperation towards a common goal occurs only when there exist no significant threshold effects. Threshold effects are defined as those consequences of individual action which occur or fail to occur depending on whether a sufficient number of others are acting in the appropriate way. The traditional solution of governmental regulation is recommended. Two alternatives for public policy are suggested: (A) selective private incentives for small families, & (B) policies to improve the distribution of social resources associated with reduced fertility. J. Schulman.