Population Dynamics: Growth, Fertility, and Demographic Transition

What is the current global population and its projected growth by 2050?

Over 7 billion today, projected to reach 10-11 billion by 2050.

What characterized human population growth after the Industrial Revolution?

Exponential growth with a rapid increase in numbers.

Which two countries account for approximately 36% of the global population?

China and India.

What does carrying capacity refer to?

The maximum number of people that Earth's ecosystems can sustainably support.

What are key stressors when carrying capacity is exceeded?

Resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

What factors determine carrying capacity?

Technology, resource availability, environmental health, and social systems.

What is the Total Fertility Rate (TFR)?

The average number of children born per woman.

What was the TFR in developing regions in 1950?

Approximately 5.0.

What is the replacement level for TFR?

Approximately 2.1.

What major demographic event occurred in the U.S. from 1946 to 1964?

The Baby Boom, with TFR peaking over 3.5.

What are the four stages of demographic transition?

Pre-transition, early transition, late transition, and post-transition.

What characterizes young-heavy populations?

A large 0-14 cohort indicating potential for rapid future growth.

What is the shape of population pyramids in developed countries?

Rectangular-tapered, indicating low birth and death rates.

What is the shape of population pyramids in developing countries?

Triangular, indicating high fertility and higher mortality among the elderly.

What does the Demographic Transition Model (DTM) visualize?

The four stages of demographic transition linked to changes in population, birth rates, and death rates.

What happens in Stage 1 of the DTM?

High birth and death rates lead to slow growth.

What occurs in Stage 2 of the DTM?

Death rates fall sharply, leading to rapid population increase.

What is the economic implication of an aging population?

Increased pressure on healthcare and pension systems.

What are the implications of a youthful age structure?

Potential for a large labor force and need for job creation.

How does urbanization affect fertility rates?

City living reduces the need for large families.

What role does education play in fertility rates?

Higher schooling, especially for women, correlates with lower fertility.

What is the trend in U.S. fertility rates since the 1970s?

Fell below 2.0 in the 1970s, then rose modestly to 2.1 by 2008.

What is a demographic pattern typical of many low-income nations?

Youthful age structure with a large proportion under 25 years old.

What does the term 'dependency ratio' refer to?

The ratio of dependents (young and old) to the working-age population.

What is the impact of technology on carrying capacity?

It can improve resource efficiency but may also increase consumption.

What is a significant factor affecting birth-rate trends?

Access to contraception and family-planning services.

What is the public-finance pressure related to an aging population?

A larger elderly share raises demand for healthcare and pensions, potentially increasing public deficits.

How might nations with shrinking workforces sustain economic growth?

By relying on foreign labor.

What percentage of the U.S. population is projected to be 65 or older by 2043?

25%.

What was the U.S. population in 1900?

76 million.

What is the projected U.S. population by 2050?

438 million.

What percentage of annual population growth in the U.S. is accounted for by immigration?

Approximately 40%.

What significant change occurred in the U.S. regarding legal immigration around 1990?

Legal immigration peaked.

What are some socio-economic improvements from 1900 to 2000?

Increased life expectancy, high-school graduates, homes with electricity, and suburban living.

What are some environmental consequences of population growth?

Resource overuse, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

What is the feedback loop between demography and environment?

Higher population increases resource demand, leading to environmental strain.

What are the key consequences of rapid population decline?

Economic slowdown, labor market gaps, fiscal strain, and social impacts.

What is family planning?

Clinical services that enable couples to control the number and spacing of their children.

What was the outcome of Thailand's family-planning program in the 1970s-80s?

Total fertility rate fell from 5.7 to 2.1 children per woman.

What was the impact of Iran's family-planning initiatives from 1989-2000?

Total fertility rate dropped from approximately 6 to 1.9.

What is the estimated number of women lacking access to modern contraception globally?

52 million.

What was a key outcome of China's One-Child Policy?

Population growth slowed, with about 350 million births averted by 2020.

What issue arose from the preference for male children in China?

A surplus of males, with approximately 118 males per 100 females.

What was the total fertility rate in India after its family-planning program?

Declined from over 5 to 2.2 children per woman.

What is the empowerment effect in relation to women's rights?

Increased education, employment, and legal rights for women lead to lower fertility rates.

What does the dependency ratio measure?

The ratio of non-working (young + elderly) to working-age population.

What is the demographic transition?

The shift from high birth/death rates to low birth/death rates accompanying economic development.

What is the definition of carrying capacity?

The maximum sustainable population size given available resources and ecosystem health.

What are the basic components of population change?

Births, deaths, immigration, and emigration.

What trend was observed in homicide rates from 1900 to 2000?

Homicides per 100,000 decreased dramatically.