Demographic Transition Model

Why does population grow faster in some places than in others?

Demographic: Think population Transition: Think change

In order to understand this concept, you must be comfortable with this vocabulary: CBR, CDR, NIR, Infant mortality,

revolution

All places have seen changes in natural increase, fertility, and mortality rates

These occur at different times in different parts of the world

The DTM has four stages of population growth No country today is Stage 1. LDCs are in Stages 2 and 3 MDCs are in Stage 4

STAGE ONE: LOW GROWTH Early human societies

to about 1750.

Birth rates and death rates were roughly equal

Infant mortality was high

Since CBR and CDR were about the same, natural increase was low

STAGE ONE

Population grew toward the end of Stage One because of the AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION, when humans used agriculture for the first time.

STAGE TWO: HIGH GROWTH

CDR drops dramatically

CBR remains about the same

Since CBR > CDR, population grows

CAUSES OF STAGE TWO

Industrial Revolution Europe, U.S., Canada

Being able to make products quickly led to greater wealth—being able to ensure supplies of food.

1750s-1800s

Medical Revolution Africa, Asia, Latin America

Improved medical practices in Europe diffused to Africa, Asia, and Latin America

This cut down on tradition forms of death from disease

Mid 1900s

STAGE THREE: MODERATE GROWTH

A country is in Stage 3 when the CBR and TFR start to drop rapidly.

The drop is a result of social customs, not technological changes.

People in Stage 3 countries are likely to live in cities and no longer need large families.

STAGE FOUR: LOW GROWTH

Stage 4 countries have CBRs that are nearly equal to CDRs.

NIR drops to near zero, a condition called ZERO POPULATION GROWTH (ZPG).

ZPG means that the TFR is around 2.1, the replacement rate

WHY DO COUNTRIES REACH STAGE FOUR?

Women’s education and work Fewer children for

working women First children are

born later in life (after college), leaving less time to produce more.

REASONS FOR STAGE 4

Birth control and Family Planning Use of

contraceptives—including condoms and “the pill” help prevent pregnancy

More money and free time=attending events without children Travel overseas Attending plays and

shows Dining at

restaurants

STAGE 2 POPULATION PYRAMID

STAGE 3 POPULATION PYRAMID

STAGE 4 POPULATION PYRAMID