Demography - American Sociological Association

POPULATION POLICY
Susan D. Stewart, University of Richmond
Purpose and Instructions:
For this exercise, pretend you are a policy maker in charge of formulating an official population
policy for your state. First, on the basis of your previous exercises, review the current
demographic situation in your state. Second, “stick your neck out” and predict the demographic
future of your state. Based on your state’s current patterns of fertility, mortality, and migration,
discuss what you expect your state’s population to look like 50 years from now (i.e., size,
composition, and distribution) and identify some potential social issues and/or problems that are
likely to have arisen from these patterns. Third, establish one or more demographic and/or social
goals for your state (what you would like to see changed in the future). Finally, create your own
population policy—a clear strategy for achieving these goals. This may include direct or indirect
manipulation of the dynamic variables—births, deaths, and migration—as well as other social
and/or economic interventions. Be creative and idealistic—assume limitless time and resources.
Cite all references in the text using the format specified in the ASA Style Guide. Provide a list of
references at the end of your paper using the format specified by the ASA Style Guide.
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