Chapter 6
Population
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(ii) A large proportion of children in a population is a result of
(iii) The magnitude of population growth refers to
(iv) According to the Census, a "literate" person is one who
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) Why is the rate of population growth in India declining since 1981?
1. Declining fertility rates: The average number of children per woman in India has been declining steadily since the 1960s. This is due to a number of factors, including increased education and access to family planning services, as well as a change in social norms and attitudes towards family size.
2. Rising age at marriage: The average age at marriage for both men and women in India has been increasing. This is due to a number of factors, including increased education and economic opportunities for women, as well as a growing desire for financial independence before marriage.
3. Improved healthcare and life expectancy: Healthcare in India has improved significantly in recent decades, leading to increased life expectancy. This has slowed population growth by reducing the number of deaths, particularly among children.
4. Urbanization: India is experiencing rapid urbanization, with more and more people moving from rural areas to cities. Urban living is associated with lower fertility rates, as it is often more expensive and challenging to raise children in cities.
5. Government policies: The Indian government has implemented a number of family planning policies in recent decades, which have helped to reduce fertility rates. These policies have included providing access to contraception, educating the public about family planning, and offering financial incentives for smaller families.
As a result of these factors, the rate of population growth in India is expected to continue to decline in the coming years. This is a positive development, as it will help to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for all Indians.
(ii) Discuss the major components of population growth.
Fertility is the most important component of population growth. A high fertility rate will lead to a rapid increase in population, while a low fertility rate will lead to a slow increase or even a decrease in population. Mortality is also an important component of population growth. A high mortality rate will lead to a slow increase or even a decrease in population, while a low mortality rate will lead to a rapid increase in population. Migration can also have a significant impact on population growth. If more people move into an area than move out, the population will grow. If more people move out of an area than move in, the population will shrink.
The rate of population growth is influenced by a number of factors, including:
.The level of economic development
.The availability of healthcare and education
.The level of urbanization
.Cultural norms and values
.Government policies
In general, countries with high levels of economic development, good healthcare and education, and high levels of urbanization tend to have lower rates of population growth. This is because people in these countries tend to have fewer children, live longer, and are more likely to migrate to urban areas. Countries with low levels of economic development, poor healthcare and education, and low levels of urbanization tend to have higher rates of population growth. This is because people in these countries tend to have more children, die younger, and are less likely to migrate to urban areas.
Governments can also play a role in influencing the rate of population growth. For example, governments can implement policies that provide access to family planning services, educate the public about the benefits of smaller families, and offer incentives for couples to have fewer children. Governments can also invest in healthcare and education, which can help to reduce mortality rates and fertility rates.
The rate of population growth is a complex issue with a variety of causes. Understanding the factors that influence population growth is important for developing effective policies to address this issue.
(iii) Define age structure, death rate and birth rate.
Age structure is the distribution of people in a population by age. It is typically displayed as a pyramid, with the youngest people at the bottom, followed by progressively older people as one moves up the pyramid. The shape of the age structure can reveal information about the past and future of a population. For example, a population with a large number of young people is likely to grow quickly in the future, while a population with a large number of older people is likely to grow slowly or even shrink.
Death rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 people in a population per year. It is calculated by dividing the number of deaths in a population by the total population and then multiplying by 1,000. The death rate is a measure of the health of a population. A high death rate can indicate inadequate healthcare, poverty, or conflict. A low death rate can indicate good healthcare, a high standard of living, and peace.
Birth rate is the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population per year. It is calculated by dividing the number of live births in a population by the total population and then multiplying by 1,000. The birth rate is a measure of the fertility of a population. A high birth rate can indicate a young population, a high standard of living, or a religious or cultural belief that places a high value on having children. A low birth rate can indicate an aging population, a low standard of living, or a lack of access to family planning services.
The age structure, death rate, and birth rate of a population are all interconnected. For instance, a high death rate will result in a population with an older age structure. A low birth rate will result in a population with a smaller proportion of young people. And a shifting age structure will have an impact on the death rate and birth rate.
Understanding the age structure, death rate, and birth rate of a population is crucial for formulating effective policies to address issues like population growth, healthcare, and education.
(iv) How is migration a determinant factor of population change?
Ans- Migration is a significant factor influencing population change as it involves the movement of people across geographical boundaries, altering the demographics of both the regions of departure and arrival. Here's how migration impacts population change:
1. Altering Population Size: Migration directly affects the population size of both the origin and destination regions. When people migrate from one area to another, they leave behind a population in the origin region and contribute to an increase in the population of the destination region. This movement of individuals results in changes in the overall population size of both areas.
2. Shifting Population Distribution: Migration alters the distribution of the population, leading to a concentration of people in specific areas. For instance, when individuals migrate from rural areas to urban centers, the urban population increases, while the rural population decreases. This shift in population distribution has implications for infrastructure, resource allocation, and urban planning.
3. Transforming Population Composition: Migration influences the composition of the population by changing the age structure, ethnicity, and socioeconomic profile of a region. For example, if a large number of young people migrate to a city, the city's population becomes younger, while if immigrants from diverse ethnic backgrounds arrive, the city's ethnic composition changes.
4. Impacting Demographic Trends: Migration affects demographic trends, including fertility rates, mortality rates, and natural population growth. For instance, if a significant number of young adults migrate from a rural area, the fertility rate in that area may decline. Similarly, if older adults migrate to a city, the mortality rate in that city may increase.
5. Contributing to Economic and Social Changes: Migration can have both positive and negative economic and social consequences. In many cases, migration can boost economic growth by providing a labor force and increasing consumer demand. However, it can also strain infrastructure, lead to social tensions, and create challenges for integrating new populations.
Overall, migration plays a crucial role in shaping population dynamics, influencing population size, distribution, composition, and demographic trends. Understanding the patterns and impacts of migration is essential for developing effective policies and strategies to address population-related issues and promote sustainable development.
3. Distinguish between population growth and population change. development?
Population growth refers specifically to the increase in the number of individuals in a population over a period of time. It is typically expressed as a percentage change per year. For instance, if a country's population grows by 2% per year, it means that the population is increasing by 2% every year.
Population change encompasses a broader concept that includes not only population growth but also any other change in the population size or composition. This includes changes due to births, deaths, migration, and changes in the age structure of the population. For example, if a country's population increases by 1 million people in a year, even if the growth rate is 0%, it would still be considered a population change.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences between population growth and population change:
4. What is the relation between occupational structure and
Ans-
5. What are the advantages of having a healthy population?
1. Enhanced Productivity and Economic Growth: Healthy individuals are more likely to be active participants in the workforce, contributing to economic growth and development. They have higher attendance rates, lower absenteeism due to illness, and are more engaged and productive in their work. This translates into increased output, innovation, and overall economic prosperity.
2. Reduced Healthcare Costs: A healthy population naturally reduces the burden on healthcare systems. There is less demand for medical services, fewer hospitalizations, and lower costs associated with chronic diseases. This frees up resources for other essential healthcare services and improves the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.
3. Improved Quality of Life: Good health is essential for a high quality of life. Healthy individuals are more likely to enjoy their lives, engage in social activities, and pursue their personal aspirations. They have more energy, better mental well-being, and a greater sense of overall well-being.
4. Reduced Social and Economic Inequality: A healthy population contributes to a more equitable society. When people have access to quality healthcare and education, they have a better chance of success and can contribute more fully to their communities. This reduces social and economic disparities, leading to a more just and inclusive society.
5. Enhanced Resilience and Disaster Preparedness: A healthy population is better equipped to respond to and recover from natural disasters and public health emergencies. They are more physically and mentally resilient, better able to adapt to changing circumstances, and more likely to volunteer and support their communities in times of need.
In conclusion, a healthy population is the foundation of a thriving society. It contributes to economic growth, reduces healthcare costs, improves quality of life, and promotes social equity. Investing in population health is an investment in the future of individuals, communities, and nations.
6.What are the significant features of the National Population Policy 2000?
Ans- The National Population Policy 2000 (NPP 2000) was a landmark policy document adopted by the Government of India to address the country's population growth and demographic challenges. It marked a shift in approach from the earlier target-oriented family planning programs to a more holistic and rights-based approach to population stabilization.
Key Features of the National Population Policy 2000:
1. Voluntary and Informed Choice: The policy emphasized the importance of voluntary and informed choice in family planning decisions. It recognized the right of couples to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children.
2. Integrated Approach: The policy adopted an integrated approach to population stabilization, recognizing the interlinkages between population, health, education, empowerment, and development. It aimed to address the unmet needs for contraception, healthcare infrastructure, and health personnel, and to provide integrated service delivery for basic reproductive and child health care.
3. Gender Equality and Empowerment: The policy placed a strong emphasis on gender equality and women's empowerment as key factors in achieving population stabilization. It recognized the critical role of women's education and economic empowerment in influencing fertility behavior.
4. Decentralized Implementation: The policy emphasized the importance of decentralized implementation, involving Panchayats, local bodies, and community organizations in promoting population stabilization efforts.
5. Target-Free Approach: The policy moved away from the target-oriented approach of earlier family planning programs, focusing instead on creating an enabling environment for couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
6. Child Health and Education: The policy recognized the importance of child health and education in reducing fertility rates. It aimed to improve child health and survival rates, and to ensure universal access to quality education for both boys and girls.
7. Population Education and Awareness: The policy emphasized the importance of population education and awareness programs to promote informed decision-making and positive attitudes towards smaller families.
8. Data Collection and Monitoring: The policy stressed the importance of strengthening data collection, monitoring, and evaluation systems to track progress and make informed policy decisions.
The National Population Policy 2000 has been credited with contributing to a significant decline in India's fertility rate, which has fallen from 6.0 in 1992-93 to 2.2 in 2019-20. The policy's emphasis on voluntary and informed choice, gender equality, and integrated approaches has been considered key to its success.
Answer Type By : Himashree Bora.
Post ID: DABP002254
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