L6 | Global Demography

Demography

The statistical study of population. It is a fundamental aspect of understanding the dynamics that shape societies across the globe.

Global Demography

The study of human populations around the world, including their size, structure, distribution, and changes over time. It examines how populations grow or decline through birth rate, death rate, and migration.

Demographic Transition Theory (DTM)

A model that explains how countries shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as they develop economically and socially (the roadmap of human population growth).

Preindustrial Society (Stage 1)

High birth and death rates result in low, stable population growth (typical of societies before the 1800s). High birth rates are caused by a lack of family planning, high infant mortality, and the need for agricultural labor. High death rates are caused by a lack of medical knowledge, famine, and poor hygiene.

Transitional Society (Stage 2)

High birth rates and declining death rates (due to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and food supply) lead to rapid population growth.

Industrial Society (Stage 3)

Birth rates decline and death rates stay low, resulting in slower population growth. Declining birth rates are due to easier access to contraception, changes in societal norms, better economic opportunities, urbanization, and increased female participation in the workforce

Postindustrial Society (Stage 4)

Both birth rates and death rates are low. Population growth becomes stable or even starts to decline. This stage is characterized by aging population problems, such as a shrinking labor force and expensive healthcare. Population decline is possible if birth rates go below replacement levels.

Regional Distribution

How population trends differ by region. (e.g., Africa is in early/middle transition with rapid growth; Asia is mixed with some countries aging fast and others still growing; Europe and North America are postindustrial with stable populations).

The Urban Shift (Urbanization)

As countries develop, populations move from rural to urban areas, driven by better job opportunities, healthcare, and education. This brings challenges like housing shortages, traffic, pollution, and strained infrastructure.

Population Aging

An increasing proportion of people aged 65+ in the population, caused by low mortality and improvements in medical care, nutrition, and sanitation.

Higher Dependency Ratio

An effect of an aging population where more elderly people depend on a smaller working population.

Healthcare Demand (Aging)

The greater need for hospitals, caregivers, and long-term care due to an aging population.

Migration Push Factors

Migration Pull Factors

Factors attracting people to low-growth, aging regions (Stage 4 of the DTM) that need labor.

Family Planning & Reproductive Health

Providing access to contraception, health services, and education to support informed decisions and improve maternal health.

Economic Development & Education

Investing in education (especially for women) and job creation to reduce poverty and lower fertility rates.

Social Security & Healthcare

Strengthening healthcare and financial support systems, especially for aging populations.

Migration Management

Implementing policies that protect migrants, support integration, and maximize economic benefits.

Rapid Urbanization in Metro Manila

A population of 14.75 million has led to significant overcrowding and infrastructure issues.

Expansion of the Working-Age Population

Approximately 64% of the Philippine population falls within the workforce age bracket (15-64)

Philippine Fertility Rate

The Philippine total fertility rate (TFR) is projected to reach 1.86 children per woman by 2026.