Demographic transition model

A period of high birth and death rate. Both of which fluctuate. Population growth is small.

Reasons for high birth rate include:

• children are a future source of income
• limited birth control / family planning
• high infant mortality rate which encourages the birth of children

Reasons for high death rate include:

• high incidence of disease
• poor nutrition and famine
• poor levels of hygiene

Period of high birth rate but fallling death rate. Population begins to expand rapidly.

Reasons for falling death rate include:

• Improved public health and medical care
• better nutrition, veg + fruit availible.
• improved medical provision; hospitals, nurses, antibiotics.

Period of falling birth rate and continued fall in death rate. Population growth slows down.

Reasons for falling birth rate include:

• preferances for smaller families
• compulsary schooling making the raising of children more expensive
• lower infant mortality rate
• changing socioeconomic conditions

Period of low birth and death rate both of which fluctuate.

• Population growth is small
• More women in the work force
• Many people having high incomes
• More leisure interests

A later period, death rate slightly exceeds birth rate. Causing population decline. This stage has only been recognised in recent years.

Reasons for low birth rate include :

• Greater financial independance of women
• A rise in the concept of children
• Aging population ( baby boomers dying)
• concern about the impact of an increased populatoin on the resources for future generations
• Same sex relationships.