Leibenstein on the benefits and costs of birth control programmes

Abstract

Enke draws attention particularly to his recent dynamic models of the effects of birth prevention. He argues that the result of birth prevention is, typically, to leave future G.N.P. almost unaffected, with a smaller population and a reduction in the ratio of dependent children to the active age groups. G.N.P. per head is thus raised. Leibenstein accepts the relevance of population control and family planning programmes. He argues, however, that in its present form benefit-cost analysis does not provide a sound basis for estimating the value of such programmes.