Jarem Phil D.

Palomata

Essay

Assignment 3
BA (Psychology) IV

There are various Pre-Malthusian population doctrines which were introduced

and they can be considered as stepping stones toward establishing solid
explanations or ideas regarding demographic change. However, most of these early
doctrines can be regarded as a weak basis on creating a broader picture of todays
population trends in the macro or micro levels since theyve been conceptualized
through the use of a more traditional lens. But we can always make some
exemptions. Several of these doctrines may still be applicable in todays society and
can have certain implications to the population.
If applied to present day circumstances, I think St. Augustines doctrine would
still be relevant in todays time. St. Augustines doctrine suggests that the preferred
way to deal with human sexuality is abstinence whereas marriage and procreation is
the second best. In the Philippines, the Catholic Church can still be viewed as one of
the most influential social institutions in the country. For the most part, the Church
will always have its stand or a reaction on whatever the State is doing. In the
Philippines, I think overcrowding is eminent in specific areas with low standards of
living in urban places. I would make an assumption that this overpopulation is
caused by a high fertility rate in that location. If this is the case, the closest picture
that would get into mind is places where illegal settlers are mostly found. If the
Church would use its power to decrease population growth, they could introduce
and promote the concept of abstinence to the people. With abstinence, it is
expected that fertility rates would decrease since bearing children would be
discouraged. Moreover, it is usually reported that people living in these kinds of
areas are unmarried but formed a family with plenty of children. In order to control
these births, the church could impose to the people the need for marriage before
forming a family. However, abstinence will be the most practical yet challenging
task for the church. Promoting abstinence to people who are naturally sexual beings
could be difficult. However, in a situation where the growth of the population is
rising, religious doctrines could be utilized to a country which is considered to be
highly devoted to religion. As of today, the church is using different strategies to
spread their stand regarding certain issues and through these tactics, an

Jarem Phil D. Palomata

Essay

Assignment 3
BA (Psychology) IV
individuals perception could be shaped. The Church could expose people to
abstinence through their poster advertisements, during their homilies, and even the
social media can be a good tool for it. Desperate times call for desperate measures
and religion still remains as one of the most powerful social institutions in the
country. Through Augustines doctrine, the Church may affect the countrys
population growth and may have several consequences, in the given situation.