demographic change- sociology UNIT 1

what is birth rate

the number of live births recorded per 1000 of the population

what is the fertility rate

number of children that are born to a woman during her childbearing life

what is the total fertility rates

number of children that are born to a woman during her childbearing life

what is the death rate

number of deaths recorded per 1000 of the population

what is the infant mortality rate

number of babies who die before their first birthday per year

do more deaths or births happen per year

births

are birth rates increasing or declining

declining

what did Harper (2012) argue

that education is the most important influence upon the long term fall in birth and fertility rates. education has lead to a change in mindset among women leading to fewer children.

who did a study on changing mindsets in girls?

Sue Sharpe

what is the Sex Discrimination Act (1975)

UK law which makes it illegal to discriminate based on sex or marital status in areas like employment, education, and services

list reasons for declining birth rates in the uk

changes in the position of women

post modernisation

technological and medical advances

economic growth/ rising living standards

changes in childhood

what is the Equal Pay Act (1970)

it’s purpose is to make it unlawful for employers to pay men bd women differently for doing the same work of a broadly similar nature

what is the family planning act (1974)

integrated family planning services fully into the UKs National Health Service (NHS), making contraception free for all, regardless of age or marital status, removing barriers, and expanding access through NHS clinics and GPs , shifting family planning towards universal healthcare

what is the Abortion Act 1967

it legalised abortion in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland under specific conditions, generally requiring two doctors approval for criteria like risks to the mothers health or fetal abnormalities, with a 24- week limit

what is the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020

introduced ‘no-fault divorce’ in England and Wales from april 6, 2022, eliminating the need to blame a spouse and allowing joint applications l, making the process less confrontational with a mandatory 20- week reflection period

what is marriage

the legally or formally recognised union of two people as partners in a personal relationship

is the marriage rate increasing or decreasing

decreasing

is singlehood increasing or decreasing

increasing

what is cohabitation

when two people live together in an emotional and/ or sexual intimate relationship

what is the 3 different forms of cohabitation

1. a trial marriage- involves a couple living together to see if they would be able to do something permanently

2. long term- permanent marriage between two people committed to a permanent relationship. virtually the same as marriage with no ceremony

3. a short term relationship without commitment

what are the reasons for marriage being delayed

economic- save for a wedding or a house

enrolment in higher education

what did Levins (2004) study find

that people were in a long term committed, intimate relationship where the individuals would see themselves as a couple but do not sure a common home by choice

what is a negative of cohabitation

Wilson and Stuchbury believe cohabitation is less stable than marriage

what is a positive of cohabitation

feminists state that cohabitation has lead to more negotiation and equality in roles

what is divorce

a musical declaration dissolving a marriage in whole or in part. it releases the marriage partners from all matrimonial obligations

lists types of marital breakdown

• divorce

• separation

• empty shell marriage

• annulment