A critical analysis of an article by Sowers, Crawford, McConnell and Randolph, entitled 'Selected Diet and Lifestyle Factors are Associated with EstrogenMetabolites in a Multiracial/Ethnic Population of Women".
Abstract This paper explains that there are significant problems in terms of conceptualization and methodology in the research reported by Sowers et. al. in the article 'Selected Diet and Lifestyle Factors are Associated with EstrogenMetabolites in a Multiracial/Ethnic Population of Women'. The author points out that the troubling methodological problems throughout the framework of this paper include ambiguous phrases, deceptive statistics, the overlooking of rival causes, inadequate justification of the project and the fundamental disconnect between the research questions and the results. The paper stresses that there is no justification for the authors' use of race/ethnicity as a variable in this study, particularly given that the authors pay absolutely no regard to the importance of socio-economic status as a variable. The author underscores that the harm of this research is that it implies inherently bad health to minorities, in this case, to African-American women, which risks perpetuating racist stereotypes.
From the Paper "The authors find that African-American women have significantly lower levels of estrogen metabolites than either White or Asian women; a number that they suggest is inherent in the racial group as it is not correlated to lifestyle factors. To attain this result, the authors measure the independent variable of race/ethnicity against dependent dietary and lifestyle variables. Other variables such as age are controlled. However, one obvious variable - a particularly important one given the focus of the study - is entirely absent from the analysis: socio-economic status."
Tags: stereotypes, variable, socio-economic, purpose, groups
Abstract This paper studies the effect of female literacy on population growth. Using the 2SLS model, this paper establishes a negative relationship between the two. A comparative analysis of the two states of India, Bihar and Kerala, reveals the same trend. However, the paper brings out the subtle differences in the social ethos of these states. The paper distinctly establishes the dominant role of female literacy in population control and recommends suitable priorities to public policy planners
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Population Theories and Economic Growth
Human Capital and Endogenous Growth Models
Which Factors Influence Population Growth
The Dominant Factor Debate
The Religious Factor Debate
The "Traditional" Factor Debate
Data and Methodology
District Level Macro Analysis Methodology
Block Level Micro Analysis Methodology
Findings
The District Level Macro Findings
Analysis by Each Variable
Block Level Micro Findings
The Spatial Analysis and the "Patna Puzzle"?
Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
References
End Notes
Appendices
From the Paper "The past decade (1991-2001) has been a watershed for India in more ways than one. While this decade saw the boldest economic reforms in India's history making it possible to emerge from the Hindu Rate of Growth, the decade also witnessed the sharpest decline in population growth (2.52% points, See Chart 1) coupled with the sharpest increase in female literacy (14.87% points) since Independence. A somewhat similar feat was achieved by the Indian State of Bihar for the period 1991-1997 where it registered a high literacy growth with the sharpest expected decadal decline in population growth (1.68% points) . Unfortunately, after 1997, unprecedented political instability led to the State slipping on these indices so much so that it finally registered a dismal performance on both the fronts of female literacy (lowest in the country) and population growth ( 2.8%, which is higher than the national average of 2.1%) for the entire decade (1991-2001) taken as a whole. An exceedingly good performance in this area (both at the national level and the State level) has prompted me to explore whether literacy (particularly female literacy) carries a more direct bearing on population control than other methods such as mass media campaigns, family planning, and sterilization."
Abstract This paper looks at the underlying trends of each population growth factor separately, particularly the immigration factor. It includes several graphs and in-depth data of the population in the United States as a whole as well as divided into sectors. It gives an historical overview of the Hispanic immigration from its origin until the present day. Finally, it concludes that the Hispanic population will continue to grow rapidly into the largest minority group due to their immigration and birth rate.
From the Paper "Researchers in demographics have persistently foretold that the rapidly growing Hispanic population would inevitably develop into the leading minority group in the United States. Updated data released from the 2000 census reveal that this belief is fast approaching actualisation. The data indicates that America's Hispanic population grew by 58% during the 1990s, putting Hispanics practically equal with African Americans as the country's biggest minority group. Most demographers predicted that the Hispanic population would equal or exceed African Americans by 2005. But that may occur sooner than initially anticipated. (Travierso, Maria. 2001, 1) How has this approaching dominance among minorities occurred and what does this mean to the U.S. population at large?"
Tags: Hispanic, United, States, census, 2000, population, minority, demographics
Abstract This paper addresses China's ever growing problem of over population. China's policies used to curb this problem are discussed. Another issue brought to light is China's overaging population and the negative effects that could result from this population instability.
Tags: ASIAN STUDIES / CHINA, chinese population policy
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons for European population growth in the eighteenth century with a focus on Britian and the industrial revolution. The paper shows how the development of new technology and the establishment of more efficient production methods and a higher standard of living, resulted in a decrease in the mortality rate. The paper also shows how the might, success and growth of the industrial economy was able to continue fueling the process of population growth throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, while new capitalist orientated theories put forward by Adam Smith advanced and galvanized the process.
From the Paper "Through the development of new technology and the establishment of more efficient production methods, a higher standard of living was achieved resulting in a decrease in the mortality rate. It is arguable that the increasing industrialization of Europe led to a new social order whereby younger marriage became an advantage and therefore birth rates were able to increase. Furthermore the new economy of an industrializing Europe lent itself to supporting the massive increases in population, while at the same time keeping living conditions stable in the short-term and improving them in long-term. Changes in economic, political and social theory developed by Adam Smith allowed firstly Britain and then other countries in Europe to embrace the Industrial Revolution and appreciate the economic value that an increased population could give a nation."
This essay summarizes in the debates between population "pessimists" and "optimists" over the last 200 years, including the main causes and consequences of population growth in Asia and Africa over the last 500 years.
Abstract This paper details the steady increase in the world's population in the last 100 years and explains how the advancement of modern medicine has allowed people to survive longer with cheaper, effective treatment. It explains that it is not just the West who can enjoy these benefits, many poorer countries have improved and more accessible healthcare, resulting in longer lifespan and improved reproduction.
From the Paper "This steady population growth has dramatic consequences on the world, some good, and some bad. The benefits of having more people on the planet means that there is a greater pool of labour, and we can see that it benefits big companies such as Nike who set up sweat shops in countries in Asia and Africa and who exploit the large number of unemployed people. But one of the biggest criticisms of having a large population is the environmental impact it has on the planet, having more people in the world leads to more demand of resources, some of which are depleting rapidly."
This paper examines the resulting effects due to the recent population explosion which include: Hunger, depletion of fossil fuels, pollution and global warming, as well as the various strategies available to halt these same effects.
Abstract The writer of this paper explores the negative effects and consequences due to the recent population explosion which include: Overcrowding, hunger, pollution, deforestation, global warming, crime and the loss of nature's bio diversity. One of the biggest obstacles, due to the increase in the population, is the depletion of the world's fossil fuel resources. The writer stresses the need for stricter environmental guidelines as well as birth rate control regulations. This paper defines the earth's depleting fossil fuel as a broad term for three sources of energy: Petroleum, natural gas and coal. All three were formed millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs, hence the name fossil fuels. The energy comes from decomposed plant and animal matter. Once these fuels are depleted they cannot be renewed. This paper examines the benefits to the environment in utilizing renewable energy as an alternative to the earth's dwindling fossil fuel reserves. The paper also details various environmentally sound strategies that would aid in preserving the earth's remaining resources.
From the Paper "Fossil fuel is a broad term for three sources of energy: petroleum, natural gas, and coal. All three were formed millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs-hence the name fossil fuels. The energy comes from decomposed plant and animal matter. Energy Quest, a major educational service on the World Wide Web describes the origin of fossil fuels: When plants and dinosaurs and other ancient creatures died, they decomposed and became buried, layer upon layer under the ground. It took millions of years to form these layers into a hard, black colored rock-like substance called coal; a thick liquid called oil or petroleum, and natural gas. Petroleum and natural gas are extracted from deep deposits below the Earth's surface."
Abstract This paper discusses population indicators and economic indicators for Japan and Sub Saharan Africa and looks at the links between these two types of indicators. The analysis indicates that population growth and economic growth are positively linked, although other factors may also be involved.
From the Paper "This research examines links between population indicators and economic indicators through a comparison of data for Japan and Sub-Saharan Africa. The data for this analysis were obtained from the World Development Indicators Web Site of the World Bank. The Data were obtained for Japan and for Sub Saharan Africa for two population indicators and two economic indicators."
Tags:population indicators, economic indicators, Japan, Sub-Saharan Africa
A look at China's policy on population control and various other Chinese government policies that impinge on human rights and therefore impede greater economic ties between China and the West.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 4 sources, 2006, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper discusses population policy in China over the last fifty years with an emphasis on the one child policy instituted in the 1970s that has greatly reduced the growth rate in the population. As China seeks more and more economic ties to the West the policy of reduced family size and at times forced abortions is a public relations problem, much like child labor, prison labor and similar centrally controlled policies that run afoul of human rights.
From the Paper "Population policies in the People's Republic of China reflect a real concern about population growth and the huge size of the population but are, at the same time, bound with issues of ideology and social control. Certain highly restrictive policies began in the 1970s and were deemed successful at reducing the size of the population, and especially the rural population. As China seeks more and more economic ties to the West, the policy of reduced family size and at times forced abortions is a public relations problem, much like child labor, prison labor, and similar centrally-controlled policies that run afoul of human rights."
Abstract This is a research and critical review of China's one child population policy. It delves into the nature of the policy, the reasons for its implementation, the benefits and draw backs of the policy and whether it has been successful or not. The author looks at the problems with the policy with special reference to the way it effects society and proposes alternatives and solutions to the policy.
From the Paper "The Chinese population policy is approaching its silver anniversary and the contentious nature of the strategy remains. Without question the one child per family policy has changed China's demographic landscape, but many individuals still question the success and ethical nature of the implementation. These strategies have also caused new problems that the country must address. Numerous people wonder if the positive decline of population growth can offset the negative effects of the policy."
Abstract In this paper the author takes an in-depth look at how the Hispanic population is faring in the United States. The author uses the 2002 census results as a reference point and then moves on to examine the education that Hispanics are receiving. The author concludes by asserting that if Hispanics become involved in the political system, this will help to understand and improve their situation.
From the paper:
?Thus, the presence of Hispanics in America today pose specific problems to various policymakers, educators and certain identified states. Hispanics generally do not view themselves as victims of discrimination, but their test scores and educational record account for institutionalized failure that adversely affects them.?
Tags: hispanic, population, demographics, minority, census, immigrants, naturalization, ins
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the spatial distribution of the Chinese population that includes an assessment of food security. The paper concludes that with certain strategies undertaken by the government, China should be able to maintain high levels of food security.
Abstract This research examines links between population indicators and social economic political and environmental processes. Data relevant to the Peoples Republic of China and the United States of America provide the basis for the examination of these links.
Abstract This paper examines how Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs) are mitogens whose functions are important in regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and how estrogen is another hormone that is involved in regulating a large array of cell processes. It looks at how both of these hormones are mitogens that act through receptor-mediated pathways. The MCF-7 cell line is a commonly used, breast cancer-derived cell line because it is easily replicable, and it differs from many others in that estradiol does not induce cell cycle progression. It looks at how recent research has found that synergistic action of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I, its receptor, and estrogen induce cell cycle progression, promote signal transduction of IGF, and, thereby, increase proliferation of MCF-7 cancer cells.
From the Paper "While the incidence of breast cancer as well as the recovery rate continues to rise, breast cancer is hardly a new problem. Breast cancer has been around for centuries however some researchers believe we are closer to a cure than ever before. Incidents of breast cancer have been documented back to the early Egyptians when the only treatment was surgical removal of the diseased tissue. Surgery was practiced but it was an extremely radical treatment considering there was no anesthesia available. During the mid 1800"s, surgeons first began to keep detailed records of breast cancer. Those statistics indicate that even those treated by mastectomy had a high rate of recurrence within eight years"especially when the glands or lymph nodes were affected."
Covers issues concerning people of multiracial descent in the U.S. and the findings of the latest U.S. census as it relates to multiracial individuals.
Abstract The history and current demographics of the latest U.S. census are analyzed in order to demonstrate the changing face of America. Factors influencing this change go as far back as the birth of this country. Issues such as the creation and existence of the "one-drop rule" are questioned along with identity development concerns of multiracial individuals.
From the Paper "In 1967, in the Loving v. Virginia case, the anti- miscegenation laws were struck down and whites were then allowed to freely marry whomever they chose. (Wright, 1994) Since that time, a dramatic increase in interracial marriages has been seen between whites and other races. Due to the increasing number of interracial marriage and the obvious population growth of children who identify with more than one race, the U.S. Census Bureau made several changes to the race category. For the first time, this allowed people of multiracial decent to properly and accurately acknowledge their existence. Two percent of the U.S. population classified themselves as belonging to more than one race (6.8 million). White and "other" were the most common combinations (32%) with White and American Indian/Alaska Native at 16%, White and Asian at 13% and White and Black at 13%. Of the 63 possible combinations of racial categories, the four listed above make up 72% of persons of all multiracial persons. (AmeriStat, June 2001)"
