Define Demographic Transition

Not all countries have moved through all four phases of the demographic transition. You are a consultant for a developing country that is not yet in phase IV of demographic transition.

In your own words, complete the following:

• Define demographic transition.

• Describe the 4 phases of demographic transition, including if the population is stable, growing, or declining in each. •

• According to demographers, what factors lead to a decline in the crude birth rates (CBR) and crude death rates (CDR) in the epidemiologic and fertility phases of the demographic transition? •

• Briefly describe three living conditions and/or environmental impacts in developed countries that have reached phase IV, and contrast them with these conditions or impacts in developing countries that remain in earlier phases. •

• Assuming that the demographic transition phase IV is a goal for developing countries, what two programs or initiatives would you suggest to assist them in progress toward this goal?

During Phase I both the CBR and the CDR are high, but balance out. Many children die before maturity, and so even though many are born the population does not grow. A population can remain in this state for long periods of time. It corresponds to human populations before industrialization.

In Phase II the CDR declines, as it did during the early industrial period. Advances in hygiene and a better understanding of disease led to dramatic declines in child mortality. Because children are still seen as assets rather than liabilities, the CBR remains high. This causes a rapid expansion of the population, if the food supply is sufficient. An increased food supply brought about the the Agricultural Revolution of the 18th century permitted the population to expand rapidly.

In Phase III the CBR begins to fall but still exceeds the CDR. Urbanization makes children a liability, because there is no farm work for them to do. They must be fed and cared for, and do not contribute to the...