Demographic Transition Model Questions Medium
Stage 3 in the Demographic Transition Model is characterized by several key features.
Firstly, during this stage, both birth rates and death rates start to decline, but the decline in death rates is more significant. This is primarily due to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and access to clean water, which lead to a decrease in mortality rates, particularly among infants and children.
Secondly, the decline in death rates leads to a significant increase in population growth rates. As more people survive into adulthood and have fewer children dying at a young age, the population begins to experience a rapid increase. This is often referred to as the population explosion or the population boom.
Thirdly, there is a shift in the population's age structure during Stage 3. With declining death rates, people live longer, resulting in an increase in the proportion of older individuals in the population. This shift is known as population aging and is often associated with increased healthcare and pension costs.
Fourthly, there is a decrease in the total fertility rate (TFR) during Stage 3. As societies undergo social and economic changes, such as urbanization and increased education for women, the desire for smaller families becomes more prevalent. This leads to a decline in the average number of children born per woman.
Lastly, Stage 3 is characterized by urbanization and industrialization. As societies transition from primarily agrarian economies to industrialized ones, people move from rural areas to urban centers in search of better job opportunities and improved living conditions. This migration from rural to urban areas contributes to the growth of cities and the development of urban infrastructure.
Overall, Stage 3 of the Demographic Transition Model represents a significant shift in population dynamics, with declining death rates, increasing population growth rates, population aging, declining fertility rates, and urbanization.