The European Demographic Transition

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the European demographic transition, including definitions, characteristics, and critiques of the demographic transition theory.

What is demography?

Demography is the study of the determinants and consequences of population change.

What are the key focus areas of demography?

Population size, growth or decline, processes like fertility, mortality, migration, urbanization, structure by age and sex, and characteristics such as education, income, and occupation.

What are K and r strategies in population biology?

K strategies involve large bodies and long life spans with low potential growth, while r strategies involve small bodies and short life spans with high potential growth.

What is the formula for population change?

Population Change = (B + I) - (D + E), where B is Births, I is Immigration, D is Deaths, and E is Emigration.

How did the global population change from 10,000 BCE to 2023?

The global population rose from approximately 1 billion in 10,000 BCE to about 8 billion in 2023.

What marked the beginning of the Neolithic demographic transition?

The Neolithic transition began with the establishment of sedentary agricultural societies.

What is the demographic transition?

The demographic transition is the gradual shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates, starting with a decline in mortality.

What influences the demographic transition according to Livi-Bacci?

Medical progress, increased life expectancy, and socioeconomic development and modernization.

What are the characteristics of Demographic Transition Stage 1?

High birth and death rates, with high mortality from famine/disease and small, fluctuating populations.

What caused the decline in mortality in Europe?

Better nutrition, hygiene, and social organization, beginning in the 18th century.

What relationship exists between GDP and life expectancy?

There is a strong positive correlation between GDP and life expectancy since 1850.

What trend in fertility was observed in modern Europe?

The historical average was about 5 children per woman, declining to below replacement levels (<2.1) due to voluntary fertility control.

What factors contribute to European emigration?

Push factors like population surplus and lack of resources, along with pull factors like land demand and higher wages abroad.

What are critiques of the demographic transition theory?

The theory's applicability is questioned, as it was derived from Western European data and may not generalize to all regions.

What does Livi-Bacci suggest about interpreting demographic transitions?

The transition reflects movement from disorder to order, indicating societies are managing populations more efficiently.