births

what is meant by birth rate in sociology?

the number of live births per 1000 per year

what is the overall trend for birth rates

a long term decline

what are some exceptions to this trend in birth rates

3 baby booms; WW1, WW2, during the 60s

explain the reason for the decline in birth rates in relation to changes in the position of women (4)

Increased educational opportunities, more women in paid work, change in attitude towards family life and the women's role, wider access to abortion and contraception.

explain the reason for the decline in birth rate in relation to the fall of infant mortality (3)

improved housing + sanitation + nutrition, knowledge of hygiene and child health, improved technology + antibiotics

explain the reason for the decline of birth rates in relation to children as an economic liability

laws banning child labour + compulsory schooling ( children remain economically dependent for longer ) , changing norms about children’s rights to a high standard of living raises their cost

children as an economic liability - how much does it cost to raise a child until 18?

166k - according to the Child Poverty Action Group

explain the reason for the decline in birth rates in relation to child centredness

childhood is now socially constructed + uniquely important part of life, quality > quantity; fewer children but lavish more attention and resources on them

what is the impact of a falling birth rate? (4)

dependency ratio increases ( relationship between the size of the working population and the non-working (dependent) population) . working population’s earnings support the dependent population through tax . women re having fewer children because this reduces the burden of dependency. public services- fewer schools, child health services etc.