Summary
Population growth and decline are influenced by birth rates, death rates, and migration, with most future growth expected in Low Income Countries (LICs). The Demographic Transition Model (DTM) helps explain these changes through five stages linked to economic development.
- Birth Rate — the number of live births per 1,000 people per year. Example: High in LICs due to cultural and economic reasons.
- Death Rate — the number of deaths per 1,000 people per year. Example: Falling globally due to improved healthcare.
- Natural Increase — the difference between birth rate and death rate, expressed as a percentage. Example: Positive natural increase leads to population growth.
- Life Expectancy — the average number of years a person is expected to live. Example: Higher in HICs due to better healthcare.
- Fertility Rate — the average number of children a woman will have during her lifetime. Example: Influenced by education and access to contraception.
- Infant Mortality Rate — the number of deaths of children under one year of age per 1,000 live births. Example: A key indicator of a population's health.
- Pro-Natalist Policies — policies aimed at increasing birth rates. Example: France's financial incentives and childcare support.
- Anti-Natalist Policies — policies aimed at decreasing birth rates. Example: China's One-Child Policy.
- Demographic Transition Model (DTM) — a model illustrating changes in birth and death rates over time. Example: Five stages from high birth and death rates to low rates.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Birth Rate: Number of live births per 1,000 people per year.
- Death Rate: Number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.
- Natural Increase: Difference between birth rate and death rate.
- Demographic Transition Model: Model showing population changes over time.
Common Confusions
- Confusing birth rate with fertility rate.
- Misunderstanding the stages of the Demographic Transition Model.
Typical Exam Questions
- Why do population growth rates differ between HICs and LICs? Answer: Differences in healthcare access and economic development.
- How effective are pro-natalist policies in increasing birth rates? Answer: Mixed effectiveness; financial incentives alone may not suffice.
- What are the strengths and limitations of the Demographic Transition Model? Answer: Useful for understanding trends but limited by its focus on HICs and exclusion of migration.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of key terms like birth rate and natural increase.
- Ability to explain differences in population growth between HICs and LICs.
- Evaluation of population policies and their effectiveness.