Is Not Over-population Our Greatest Problem? Probably the most humane way to address overpopulation is simply honesty and truth. You start out with enough to survive, then are shown, the only way I can afford to bring in another kid is by hard work and education and will be there to ensure he is raised right. There is a safety net. For emergencies or severe misfortune. It is not a bed to take a nap on willy nilly. You contribute to society, you earn more. The more you do the more you get. Etc.
It should, ideally, and I understand it does not with infallibility, work where you work hard, you get ahead. Sometimes incredibly far. Mansions and boats. You slack, you may fall behind. Again sometimes incredibly so. Homelessness and exposure.