Demographic Transition Model Questions Medium
In the Demographic Transition Model, there is a clear relationship between population growth rate and economic development. The model suggests that as a country undergoes economic development, its population growth rate initially increases and then eventually decreases.
In the early stages of economic development, characterized by a pre-industrial society, both birth rates and death rates are high. This is due to factors such as limited access to healthcare, lack of education, and reliance on agriculture for sustenance. As a result, the population growth rate remains relatively low or even stagnant.
However, as a country progresses towards industrialization and economic growth, there are significant improvements in healthcare, education, and living standards. These advancements lead to a decline in mortality rates, as diseases are better controlled, and access to healthcare improves. Consequently, the population growth rate starts to increase rapidly.
During this stage, birth rates remain high due to cultural and social factors, such as the desire for larger families or lack of family planning. Additionally, there is often a time lag between declining mortality rates and declining birth rates, leading to a population boom.
As the country continues to develop economically, there is a shift in societal attitudes towards smaller family sizes, increased access to contraception, and greater emphasis on education and career opportunities for women. These factors contribute to a decline in birth rates, eventually leading to a decrease in the population growth rate.
In the final stage of the Demographic Transition Model, characterized by post-industrial societies, both birth rates and death rates are low, resulting in a stable or even declining population. This stage is typically associated with high levels of economic development, advanced healthcare systems, and a focus on quality of life rather than population growth.
Overall, the relationship between population growth rate and economic development in the Demographic Transition Model is one of initial stagnation or slow growth, followed by a rapid increase, and eventually a decline as a country progresses through different stages of economic development.