Comprehension

Read the following passage and answer the question given below: 
Demographic transition theory can be used to describe and predict the future population of any area. The theory tells us that the population of any region changes from high births and high deaths to low births and low deaths as society progresses from rural agrarian and illiterate to urban industrial and literate society. These changes occur in stages which are collectively known as the demographic cycle. In the first stage, there are high fertility and high mortality because people reproduce more to compensate for the deaths due to epidemics and variable food supply. The population growth is slow and most of the people are engaged in agriculture where large families are an asset. Life expectancy is low, people are mostly illiterate and have low levels of technology. Two hundred years ago all the countries of the world were in this stage. Fertility remains high in the beginning of the second stage but it declines with time. This is accompanied by a reduced mortality rate. Improvements in sanitation and health
conditions lead to a decline in mortality. Because of this gap, the net addition to the population is high. In the last stage, both fertility and mortality decline considerably. The population is either stable or grows slowly. The population becomes urbanised, literate and has high technical know-how and deliberately controls family size. This shows that human beings are extremely flexible and are able to adjust their fertility. In the present day, different countries are at different stages of demographic transition.

Question: 1

All stages of demographic transition represent ______.

Updated On: May 14, 2025
  • demographic platforms
  • demographic dividend
  • population explosion
  • demographic cycle
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

The demographic transition model describes how populations change as they progress through different stages of development. It outlines four stages: 

  1. Stage 1: High Stationary - Characterized by high birth and death rates, leading to slow population growth. Most people are engaged in agriculture, have high fertility to offset high mortality due to diseases and lack of food security.
  2. Stage 2: Early Expanding - Birth rates remain high but death rates start to fall due to improvements in health and sanitation. This results in a significant increase in population growth.
  3. Stage 3: Late Expanding - Birth rates begin to decline, and the gap between birth and death rates narrows. The population growth rate starts to slow down as societies become more urbanized and educated.
  4. Stage 4: Low Stationary - Both birth and death rates are low, stabilizing the population growth. Society is more industrialized and urban, with better access to education and healthcare.

All these stages collectively represent the demographic cycle.

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Approach Solution -2

The stages of demographic transition are collectively known as the demographic cycle, reflecting the progression of population dynamics over time. This cycle describes how a country's population changes as it develops economically and socially. The demographic transition model typically consists of four or five stages, each characterized by specific birth and death rates that shape the overall population growth.

  1. Stage 1 (High Stationary): In this stage, both birth rates and death rates are high, leading to slow population growth. This is typically observed in pre-industrial societies where limited access to healthcare and resources contributes to high mortality rates.
  2. Stage 2 (Early Expanding): Death rates begin to decline due to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and food supply, but birth rates remain high. This results in rapid population growth, seen in many developing countries.
  3. Stage 3 (Late Expanding): Birth rates start to decline as society undergoes economic development, urbanization, and improved access to education and contraception. Population growth slows down, but it continues to increase.
  4. Stage 4 (Low Stationary): Both birth and death rates are low, resulting in a stable or slowly growing population. Most developed countries are in this stage, where the population is often stable or even experiencing slight decline.
  5. Stage 5 (Declining): Some countries may experience a decrease in population due to very low birth rates, which leads to a population decline. This stage is seen in certain highly developed countries, such as Japan and Germany, where there is a higher proportion of elderly individuals and fewer young people entering the workforce.

Understanding the demographic transition helps explain the relationship between economic development, healthcare improvements, and changes in population growth patterns. The demographic cycle provides a useful framework for analyzing the population dynamics of different regions over time.

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Question: 2

With reference to demographic transition theory, which of the following is NOT correct?

Updated On: May 14, 2025
  • It can describe and predict the future population of any area.
  • Fertility remains high in the beginning of the second stage.
  • The first stage has high fertility and high mortality.
  • Life expectancy is very high in the first stage.
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

To determine which statement is NOT correct with reference to the demographic transition theory, let's analyze each option based on the given comprehension passage:

It can describe and predict the future population of any area. 

This statement is correct. The theory provides a framework for understanding how population changes as a region develops, predicting transitions from high birth and death rates to lower ones.

Fertility remains high in the beginning of the second stage.

This is also correct. The passage states that fertility is high at the beginning of the second stage but decreases over time as mortality declines.

The first stage has high fertility and high mortality.

This statement is correct. The passage describes the first stage as having both high fertility and high mortality rates.

Life expectancy is very high in the first stage.

According to the passage, life expectancy is low in the first stage due to high mortality rates from epidemics and limited food supply. Therefore, this statement is NOT correct.

Thus, the incorrect statement with reference to demographic transition theory is: Life expectancy is very high in the first stage.

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Approach Solution -2

In the first stage of demographic transition, life expectancy is typically low due to high mortality rates, which are often a result of a combination of factors such as infectious diseases, poor nutrition, lack of medical knowledge, and inadequate sanitation. In this stage, both birth rates and death rates are high, leading to slow population growth. The high mortality rate is particularly evident among infants and children, as healthcare systems are not well developed, and there is limited access to vaccines and medicines.

In societies at this stage, food shortages, frequent famines, and poor living conditions contribute to high death rates. The population remains relatively stable but fluctuates due to these factors. Communities often rely on subsistence agriculture, with limited technological advancement and infrastructure to support larger populations.

Because of the high birth rates and lack of family planning options, societies in this stage continue to produce large numbers of children, which counterbalances the high mortality rate. This stage is typically associated with pre-industrial societies or regions that have not yet experienced significant economic or technological development.

In summary, during the first stage of demographic transition, life expectancy is low, and populations face high mortality rates due to external challenges like disease, poor living conditions, and lack of modern healthcare.

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Question: 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of the second stage of demographic transition?

Updated On: May 14, 2025
  • Fertility declines with time.
  • Fertility remains constant.
  • Fertility remains low initially but increases later on.
  • Population is either stable or grows slowly.
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The Correct Option is A

Approach Solution - 1

The demographic transition theory outlines changes in population growth and structure across different stages. The second stage is characterized by: 

Fertility Declines with Time: Initially high fertility starts to decline as the population begins to adapt due to improved living conditions, such as better sanitation and healthcare, leading to a decline in mortality rates. This period is marked by an increase in population because there remains a gap between declining death rates and still-high birth rates.

Therefore, the correct answer, which corresponds with the described characteristics of the second stage of demographic transition, is Fertility declines with time.

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Approach Solution -2

In the second stage of demographic transition, fertility rates remain high for a period, as traditional cultural and societal norms continue to prioritize large families. However, over time, these high fertility rates start to decline as there are significant improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and overall living conditions. The major shift in this stage is a noticeable reduction in mortality rates, particularly due to the increased availability of vaccines, improved medical treatments, and better sanitation practices. These improvements lead to fewer deaths from infectious diseases, malnutrition, and poor hygiene.

As the population begins to live longer, there is an increase in life expectancy, and infant mortality rates decrease. Families, however, still have large numbers of children, and the overall population continues to grow rapidly due to the population momentum caused by the previous generation's larger cohort of young people. Even though birth rates remain high in this stage, the gap between birth and death rates widens, resulting in a rapid population increase.

Economic and technological advancements also play a role during this stage. The development of agriculture, industry, and transportation improves food distribution and access to resources, contributing to better nutrition and living conditions. Despite these advancements, the pace of change is slower in terms of fertility decline, as families often continue to have more children than in later stages of the demographic transition.

In summary, the second stage of demographic transition is characterized by a significant reduction in death rates, especially due to improvements in health and sanitation, while fertility rates remain high, resulting in rapid population growth.

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Question: 4

Which of the following statement is correct?

Updated On: May 14, 2025
  • Human beings are extremely rigid and are unable to adjust their fertility.
  • The population is not stable and grows very fast in the last stage of demographic transition.
  • People deliberately do not control the family size in the last stage of demographic transition.
  • At present, different countries are at different stages of demographic transition.
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

To determine the correct statement from the given options, we refer to the demographic transition theory. This theory explains the transformation of a country's population structure over time, which includes the stages of high birth and death rates progressing to low birth and death rates as societies evolve. 

Let's analyze the options:

  • Option 1: This claims human beings are extremely rigid in adjusting fertility, which contradicts the demographic transition theory that highlights human adaptability in controlling family size.
  • Option 2: This asserts rapid population growth in the last stage, but in the last stage, population growth tends to stabilize or grow slowly with low birth and death rates.
  • Option 3: This states deliberate lack of control over family size in the last stage, but ideally, people intentionally step in to manage family size due to urbanization and education.
  • Option 4: This mentions that currently, countries are at different stages of demographic transition, aligning with the theory's view that countries evolve at different rates based on economic, social, and environmental factors.

From the passage, it is clear that:

  • Initially, all countries experienced high fertility and mortality rates.
  • Progress in health and sanitation reduces mortality before fertility drops, leading to population growth.
  • Finally, both fertility and mortality rates are low, stabilizing the population.
  • Thus, countries exhibit varying demographic phases due to development diversity.

Hence, the correct statement is Option 4: At present, different countries are at different stages of demographic transition.

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Approach Solution -2

Different countries exhibit different characteristics and challenges at distinct stages of demographic transition. Each country undergoes demographic changes at its own pace, influenced by various factors such as economic development, healthcare access, cultural norms, and government policies. The demographic transition model outlines a predictable pattern, but the timing and specific nature of these transitions can vary significantly between nations.

In the first stage of the demographic transition, many countries face high birth and death rates. This stage is often associated with pre-industrial societies, where limited access to healthcare, poor nutrition, and frequent diseases result in high mortality rates. Countries in this stage are typically characterized by agrarian economies, minimal technological advancement, and limited public health systems. Examples of countries in this stage, although rare today, may include some isolated regions with low access to modern healthcare.

In the second stage, countries experience a decline in death rates due to improvements in sanitation, healthcare, and nutrition, which are often accompanied by increased life expectancy. Fertility rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth. This stage typically occurs in countries that are beginning industrialization or have made significant strides in healthcare, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa or Southeast Asia. However, these countries often face challenges such as resource strain, poverty, and limited infrastructure to keep up with the rapid population increase.

During the third stage, countries begin to see a decline in birth rates as a result of improved access to contraception, changing social norms, urbanization, and increased participation of women in the workforce. This stage is marked by slower population growth and a shift toward a more balanced population structure. Countries like India and Brazil are examples of nations that are in this stage, where there is a combination of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and social change. However, these countries still face challenges such as economic inequality, educational gaps, and the need to improve healthcare access for their growing populations.

Finally, in the fourth stage, birth and death rates are both low, resulting in stable or slow-growing populations. Highly industrialized and developed countries like Japan, Germany, and the United States are typically in this stage. While these countries experience higher standards of living, they also face challenges such as aging populations, labor force shortages, and increasing demand for healthcare and social services for the elderly.

Thus, the demographic transition process is complex, and countries at different stages face unique challenges. While some nations experience rapid economic growth and improvements in public health, others continue to struggle with high birth rates, poverty, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

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Question: 5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the last stage of demographic transition?

Updated On: May 14, 2025
  • Low fertility
  • Low mortality.
  • High level of technology
  • Low level of urbanisation
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

The demographic transition theory describes how societies progress through different stages in population growth and structure. In the last stage of this transition, characteristics include: 

  • Low fertility: The birth rates decrease significantly as urban living and access to family planning increase.
  • Low mortality: Due to advanced healthcare and better living conditions, death rates are low.
  • High level of technology: A sophisticated technological environment supports and sustains a complex, urban lifestyle.
  • High level of urbanisation: With advances in industry and education, societies become more urban as people move to cities for better opportunities.

The option "Low level of urbanisation" is incorrect for the last stage of demographic transition, as this stage is characterized by a high level of urbanisation. Therefore, the characteristic that is NOT associated with the last stage of demographic transition is a Low level of urbanisation.

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Approach Solution -2

The last stage of demographic transition typically features high levels of urbanization, as populations become more urbanized due to better living conditions, improved healthcare, and advanced infrastructure. In this stage, both birth and death rates are low, leading to a stable or slowly growing population. This stability is supported by continued economic development, technological advancements, and widespread access to education and healthcare. As a result, urban areas attract larger populations due to better job opportunities, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.

In highly urbanized societies, there is often a shift from industrial-based economies to service-based economies. This transition allows for a higher standard of living, better access to amenities, and greater social mobility. Countries such as the United States, Japan, and many European nations exemplify this stage, where the majority of the population resides in urban areas, and rural areas experience lower population growth or even decline.

However, while urbanization brings numerous benefits, it also presents challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, housing shortages, and strain on infrastructure. Cities need to manage the increasing demands for transportation, healthcare, sanitation, and social services. Additionally, the movement of populations from rural to urban areas can lead to the decline of agricultural activity, which can have economic and social implications for the country as a whole.

In this stage, countries are also likely to experience changes in family structures, as urban living typically supports smaller family units due to economic factors, lifestyle preferences, and greater female participation in the workforce. These demographic shifts contribute to a gradual stabilization of the population and a focus on quality of life rather than quantity.

Thus, the last stage of demographic transition marks a phase of prosperity and stability, but it also requires careful planning and management to address the challenges posed by urbanization and an aging population.

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