Demography Overview

Demography= the study of populations and their characteristics

Birth Rates

After the Second World War, there was a large increase in the amount of births due to husbands returning from war and starting families. There was also a dramatic increase between the 1950's and 1970's, especially in women under 25.

Birth rates have been slowly declining since the 1970's. this could be due to:

• Changes in the position of women= educational opportunities, access to abortion and contraception, more women in employment.
• Decline in infant mortality rates= better housing, sanitation, nutrition.
• Children being an economic liability= laws banning child labour, raising school leaving age.

Changes in the number of babies being born will lead to smaller families. The effect here is that women are more likely to be free to work and create dual-earner couples.

A consequence of the falling number of children is that it means fewer young adults and a smaller working population, leading to an increased dependancy ratio and a higher burden of dependency.

A fall in birth rates will also have consequences for  public services.

• Fewer schools, maternity and childcare services will be needed.
• The cost of maternity and paternity leave will be affected.
• The type of housing that needs to be built will change.

Death Rates

Deaths are measured by the number of deaths per thousand of the population per year. In 1900, the death rate was 19 per 1000 of the population, whereas in 2012…