Chapter 6 - Population Growth and Economic Development

Population Increase Rate (RPI)

The rate at which a population increases, calculated as (F - M) + (I - E) where F = Fertility, M = Mortality, I = Immigration, E = Emigration.

Total fertility rate

The average number of children a woman would have during her lifetime.

Hidden Momentum of Population

The continued population increase even after birth rates have dropped, primarily due to the time lag for changes in birth rates to occur and the large youthful populations reaching adulthood.

Demographic Transition

A three-stage process describing population growth: 1. Stagnant growth (high birth and death rates), 2. Rapid growth (high birth rates, low death rates), 3. Stable growth (low birth and death rates).

Malthusian Trap

A theory suggesting that population grows geometrically while food supply increases arithmetically, leading to potential poverty and starvation if population growth is not controlled.

Microeconomic Household Theory of Fertility

An economic model that uses principles of household utility maximization and budget constraints to explain family size decisions, viewing children as a consumption good.

Youth-dependency ratio

The ratio of the number of young dependents (typically under 15) to the working-age population, which is notably high in developing countries.

Life Expectancy

The average period that a person may expect to live, which has significantly improved globally, especially in developing countries.

Rapid Population Growth

A significant increase in population over a relatively short period, predominantly occurring in developing countries and posing economic and social challenges for development.