13) Iran - Population change case study

yoyuube of case study

What happened in the 1979 revolution?

Rule of the US backed Shah ended

Large scale invasion by Iraq started a conflict lasting 8 years

Impact of this revolution on population

In rural areas, civilians had many children for economic security

Policy after the revolution encouraged larger families, this was predicted to bring benefits eg large population for an army in future

How much did the population grow between 1976 - 1986 and what were two additional causes of this?

40%

better healthcare = reduced infant & mother mortality

refugees moving into Iran

Why was this population increase problematic?

Threat of Malthusian crisis

- country was crippled by effects of war & economic sanctions

- Iran released the baby boomers from 1980's would soon become elderly dependants

- literacy rate was low due to past cultural difference & ill health

Proportion of population aged 60+ in 1966 vs the 2030 prediction

1966: 5.3%

2023: 7.9%

2030 - 10.5%

What population measures where introduced in 1989?

Permission from religious leaders- contraception distribution & male sterilisation

Role of women- women became more empowered

Improved living conditions: eg infrastructure & transport

Components of Iran family planning

- Education on population issues

- Spacing on pregnancies - 3-4 years

- Public education- educating girls on the benefits of family planning

+ Fertility rate declined massively as a result

2010 Baby boom

Iran promoted a 2nd baby boom due to huge population decline from the 1989 population control measures

Features of the 2010 baby boom

- gov payments provided for each child

- brith control no longer state funded

- religious leaders televised to urge the benefits of larger families

Was the 2010 baby boom was successful?

- not as successful as the past baby booms

- people preferred to study over having children

- women gained employment in higher paying trades

Economic influences on the lack of success of the 2010 population planning

- Inflation = very high, sometimes 60%

- This leads to a distrust of the gov, population less likely to listen to them

What is Iran's current fertility rate?

Low - 1.68 children per women