Livelihoods and the Environment – Alex de Sherbinin et. al
It is apparent that the following correlation exists: As we continue to study population, we continue to reference the Malthusian theory. While neo-Malthusians argue that the world does not have enough food and resources to sustain the current rate of our population growth, their argument lacks minor, but powerful components. In this article, multiple authors from the publication, “Global Environmental Change” look beyond the raw statistics and definitions and into additional variables such as age and sex composition, migration, mortality, morbidity, and livelihoods. The sub category of household wellness encompasses everything from the physical environment of the home to the economic and cultural status of the residents. The authors recognized that the relationship between these household characteristics and the environment were essential to the ability of a family to reproduce and thrive. While the article is not aimed towards disagreeing or disproving Malthus’ original claims, many points that are often ignored are explained thoroughly. Along with 5 defined capitalistic categories, examples from varying countries, and, the readers are walked through 4 main household characteristics. In regards to Japan, Chizuko Ueno explains the shift of the woman in the household, particularly in agricultural homes. In a country where the population in declining, and the majority of land is not arable, modernization of Japan was the main instigator of the household changes. After the 1960s, the average Japanese household dropped from 5 to 3 and women began to seek jobs due to economic growth. In relation to the capitalistic categories, the shift in Japan can be seen as a decrease in physical and natural capital, resulting in industrialization and an increase in social and financial capital. This brings an interesting viewpoint to women as wives and mothers because typically, this role is viewed as oppressive. I wanted to connect this article to Japan because of juxtaposition of Malthus’ theory and declining populations.
Alex de Sherbinin, Leah VanWey, Kendra McSweeney, Rimjhim Aggarwal, Alisson Barbieri, Sabina Henry, Lori M. Hunter, Wayne Twine, and Robert Walker
Reprinted from Global Environmental Change 18(1), Alex de Sherbinin, Leah VanWey, Kendra McSweeney, Rimjhim Aggarwal, Alisson Barbieri, Sabina Henry, Lori M. Hunter, Wayne Twine, and Robert Walker, Rural Household Demographics, Livelihoods and the Environment, Pages 38-53, Copyright 2008, with permission of Elsevier.
