Not Better Lives,Just Fewer People: The Ideology of Population Control

At a time of increasing government involvement in and popular support for limitation of the world's population, a critique is made of population control. The socioeconomic basis of desirable family size for the world's working peoples is reviewed and the intent of population programs is described. Underlying assumptions and choices of world population planners, as reflected in economic development strategies and political power, are outlined. “Overpopulation” is interpreted as a consequence, not a cause, of problems which themselves must be attacked in spite of entrenched elites who seek to secure the current order. The damaging role of population propaganda and the importance of eliminating sexist and racist ideas, in a program for basic development alternatives, are emphasized. Specific actions are proposed in the health care field.