Edexcel Geography A-Level Notes - Diverse Places

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

  • Populations change naturally due to development.
  • Birth Rate: Number of births per 1000 people.
  • Death Rate: Number of deaths per 1000 people.

Stages of DTM:

  1. Stage 1: High birth and death rates, low population; poor development.

    • High birth rates due to lack of contraception, education.
    • High death rates due to poor health services, malnutrition.

  2. Stage 2: Decreasing death rates with high birth rates.

    • Increased healthcare leads to a growing population.
    • Improvements in sanitation and knowledge reduce deaths.
    • Growth in secondary industries leads to job improvement.

  3. Stage 3: Decreasing birth rates and continuing low death rates.

    • Women gain rights, pursue education, and use contraception.
    • Reduced need for children in families focusing on careers.

  4. Stage 4: Low birth and death rates; population growth driven by migration.

    • Economic migration can influence population increases (e.g., UK NHS).

Exceptions to DTM:

  • Rapid growth in places like UAE due to migration.
  • Countries like Syria and Haiti have higher death rates due to conflict/natural disasters.

UK Population Structure:

  • Uneven population distribution; 84% in England.
  • Dense urban areas vs. low-density rural areas.

Birth and Death Rate Influences in the UK:

  • Birth Rates:

    • Increased: Population growth and government policies.
    • Decreased: Access to contraception, changing religious views, financial costs, and women's career aspirations.

  • Death Rates:

    • Decreased due to medical advancements, immunizations, and better sanitation.
    • Lifestyle choices (smoking, diet) influence longevity.

UK Changes Over Time:

  • 1960s: Inward migration from South Asia; housing development.
  • 1970s-1990s: Economic downturns led to urban decline and reformations.
  • 2000s+: Cultural diversity increased; Brexit affects migration patterns.

Rural and Urban Places

  • Rural-Urban Continuum: Changes from urban core to rural areas.
  • City structure evaluated through Burgess & Hoyt models.

Place Character:

  • Endogenous Factors: Local characteristics (demographics, land use, infrastructure).
  • Exogenous Factors: External influences (migration, investment).

Perception of Living Spaces:

  • Influences: Life experiences, economic background, and environmental factors.
  • Insiders vs. Outsiders: Affected by cultural assimilation and familiarity with local norms.

Cultural Dynamics:

  • Clustering of migrants can lead to integration challenges.
  • Management of cultural issues often relies on social metrics rather than economic comparisons.