Population Studies and Demography: 20 flashcards

The scientific study of human populations: their size, composition, distribution, and how they change over time.

Population Change = (Births − Deaths) + (Immigration − Emigration)

Stage 1: high birth/death, slow growth. Stage 2: death falls, birth high, rapid growth. Stage 3: birth falls, growth slows. Stage 4: low birth/death, stable. Stage 5: birth below replacement, decline.

Because it ignores the age structure of the population — a country with many women of childbearing age shows a high CBR even if individual fertility is low.

$$\text{CBR} = \frac{\text{Live births in a year}}{\text{Mid-year population}} \times 1000$$

$$\text{CDR} = \frac{\text{Deaths in a year}}{\text{Mid-year population}} \times 1000$$

ASDR = (deaths in an age group / population of that age group) × 1000. It fixes the age-structure problem of CDR and is used to build life tables.

A statistical tool showing, for each age, the probability of dying, number of survivors, and average years remaining to live. Built from ASDRs.

1. Census — complete count every 10 years. 2. Civil Registration System (CRS) — continuous recording of births, deaths, marriages, divorces.

About 105 males per 100 females.

A rising share of older people in the population due to lower fertility and longer life. It increases the dependency ratio and demand for healthcare and pensions.

An economic boost when the working-age population exceeds dependents. It is not automatic — it needs jobs, education, healthcare, and good governance.

$$\text{Dependency Ratio} = \frac{\text{Pop 0–14} + \text{Pop 65+}}{\text{Pop 15–64}} \times 100$$

Expansive (broad base, young and growing), Stationary (equal bars, stable), Constrictive (narrow base, ageing and shrinking).

$$\text{CWR} = \frac{\text{Children aged 0–4}}{\text{Women aged 15–49}} \times 1000$$

Malthus said population grows geometrically while food grows arithmetically, predicting famine and collapse. He was criticized for ignoring technology, birth control, and education.

The right to decide freely whether, when, and under what conditions to have children — with access to healthcare, contraception, safe childbirth, and abortion, and recognition of social inequalities.

Lower fertility levels in cities compared to rural areas due to later marriage, working women, higher costs, and better access to contraception — not a medical condition.

The number of people per unit area (e.g., per square kilometre). Crucial for urban planning of transport, housing, water, and sanitation.

The average number of years a newborn is expected to live, given current death rates. Calculated from life tables.