Question

“The second phase of population growth is referred to as the period of steady growth.” Evaluate the statement with examples.

Hint:

The second phase of population growth was marked by a slow and steady increase, attributed to improved healthcare and sanitation, while birth rates continued to be high.

Answer 1

The second phase of population growth in India is often referred to as the period of steady growth. This phase, which began around the 1920s and continued into the early 1950s, was marked by a relatively stable population growth rate due to a balance between the birth and death rates.

• Decline in Death Rate: During this period, India saw improvements in sanitation, hygiene, and the introduction of basic healthcare systems, which led to a gradual decrease in the death rate. However, the birth rate remained relatively high, leading to steady growth.
• Slow Growth Rate: Unlike the rapid increase seen in the third phase, the second phase saw a more controlled growth rate. The population increased at a slower pace, as shown by the deceleration of the population growth rate during this phase. For example, India’s population grew from 238 million in 1901 to about 361 million in 1951, reflecting a steady increase.
• Examples: In the early 20th century, the death rate declined due to better sanitation and medical awareness, but fertility rates remained high. The growth was steady, but not as explosive as the later phase.

Thus, the second phase is rightly referred to as a period of steady growth, where the population growth was moderate due to improved health conditions, though the birth rate remained high.