AP Human Geography: Models & Theories

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

A model that describes the five typical stages of population change that countries experience as they modernize.

Epidemiological Transition Models

Explains the changing death rates and more common causes of death within societies.

Malthusian Theory

The supply of food cannot keep up with the growth of the human population, inevitably resulting in disease, famine and war.

What are limitations of Malthusian’s theory?

Assumed population growth would be in a steady, growth path but fertility rates have dropped in all regions of the world.

Agricultural technologies have increased food production heavily.

Boserup Theory

More people there are, the more hands there are to work, rather than just mouths to feed.

The population increases → more pressure on existing agricultural system → stimulates invention → more food production.

Lee’s Model of Migration

People move due to push and pull factors but there are intervening obstacles or opportunities.

Ravenstein’s Laws of Migration

Series of laws that describe patterns and trends of migration. This includes most migrants travel short distances and only travel long distances to settle in urban areas.

Gravity Model of Migration

The size and distance between two cities or countries will influence the amount of interactions that include migration, travel and economic activity.

The larger the population of a city/country is, the more pull the location will have with migrants seeking economic opportunities.