Correct option is C
Sol. Education plays a crucial role in population control by increasing awareness about the benefits of smaller families, family planning, and reproductive health. Educated individuals, especially women, are more likely to make informed decisions regarding contraception, childbearing, and resource management, leading to lower fertility rates and sustainable population growth.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) It leads to higher fertility rates among educated individuals – Incorrect. Education is generally associated with lower fertility rates, as educated individuals prioritize career goals, financial stability, and reproductive health. Countries with higher literacy rates tend to have lower birth rates.
· (b) It discourages the use of contraceptives – Incorrect. Education promotes the use of contraceptives by spreading awareness about family planning methods, preventing unplanned pregnancies, and reducing population growth rates.
· (c) It increases awareness about the benefits of smaller families – Correct answer. Education empowers individuals to understand the economic and social advantages of smaller families, leading to better resource allocation, improved healthcare, and sustainable development.
· (d) It exacerbates population growth by promoting family planning – Incorrect. Family planning helps control population growth by providing access to contraceptive methods, reproductive health services, and informed decision-making. It reduces unplanned pregnancies and improves maternal and child health.