SkydiveJonathan 0 #1 September 19, 2012 http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22283-america-2050-population-change-threatens-the-dream.html New Scientist's analyses of US Census Bureau data reveal large and stubbornly persistent disparities in wealth and educational achievement. If these are not narrowed, predicted population change could undermine the US's future prosperity. But the nation may yet avoid a cycle of decline – if it improves educational opportunities for young Hispanics. At this year's Democrat and Republican conventions, the presidential candidates talked a lot about how voters were making a choice for a better future. They did not say much about the challenges posed by demography, however. Perhaps they should have attended the annual meeting of the Population Association of America, held in San Francisco in May. The association's president, Daniel Lichter of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, delivered a sobering address, warning: "Our failure to effectively address policy questions of persistent racial and ethnic economic inequality… may lead to new cultural and economic fragmentation." Some researchers believe that Lichter paints an unduly pessimistic picture. But even the optimists agree that today's decisions will have far-reaching consequences. "We're really at a watershed moment in American society," says Richard Alba, a sociologist at the City University of New York. Demographic transition is now under way. In illustrating the US Census Bureau projections for 2050, New Scientist chose a scenario with relatively low rates of future immigration. Yet despite the political heat surrounding this issue, a similar picture will emerge whatever happens at the US border. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
