TV ratings

I do not mind if my favorite station's rating is lagging. Its rating simply implies that its shows are designed not for Class D and E but for the group enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status. GMA station, which enjoys the top spot in terms of TV ratings, is followed by the majority of the respondents= poor households. This is just a simple case of market stratification. Gee.

The Rise of Middle Classes

Personally, I don't mind having a steady rise in the population so long as the growth is attributed to the middle class. Left without a choice, it is the middle class/the petty bourgeoisie or the professionals that carry the fiscal responsibility of the state through their consistent and correct payment of tax duties. At the same time, the middle class, more often than not, opt for private services and even for higher-than-market rate services rather than availing government provided and subsidized services. Class D and E, the poor segment of the population, does not have avenue to pay taxes to the government as most find themselves in underground market or in casual employment. Yet, bulk of the expenditure for social services are directed towards the poor sector. This sector is the cause exponential population growth. On the other end of the spectrum, the elites exhibits the free-rider syndrome we expect only from the poor. Elites are notorious tax evaders. Their maneuvers (including under the table transactions, grease money, and other illegal activities) have contributed significantly to fiscal instability of the country.

All the same, the population growth owing to middle class is far from reality. Firstly, we are talking about professionals who prefer smaller families. Even at individual levels, economic development may entail inverse relations with the number of family members (either by preference or by lack of opportunity as the household head/s are tied to regular employment). They are also relatively aware and educated on the concepts of family planning. In the same manner, the poor sector will always be the reason for steady population growth due to economic, social and cultural reasons.

So the question is how to incentivise the middle class to multiply and disincentivise poor families for them to consider family planning.

Unite middle class!