INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

Demographic Transition

Demographic Transition

Demographic Transition

Thompson's Demographic Transition model describes the changes that human populations undergo over time (Caldwell, 1976). Because in earlier times agriculture was the main staple of the economy, families grew large to help to produce more yields through more labor. Then, birth and death rates were almost equal. Most industrialized nations go through a series of transitions in their population growth. First, birth rates increase and death rates decrease because of better medical supplies and information and the reduction of agriculture. Next, birth rates decrease greatly due to information on birth control, increased education and better career options for families.

Stages of Demographic TransitionStage One

Stage One of the Demographic Transition model is situated in pre-industrial economies - such as Britain in the 18th century - and the Least Economically Developed Countries today -such as Bangladesh. In this stage, birth and death rates are high causing a slow and fluctuating growth in population. Reasons for this include famine, lack of clean water and sanitation, poor health care and a high infant mortality rate (Greenwood and Seshadri, 2002).

Stage Two

In Stage Two, the population begins to steadily rise as the birth rate remains high and death rates begin to fall. This is due to improved health care - such as the smallpox vaccine - improved hygiene and sanitation and decreased infant mortality rates (Caldwell, 1976). Stage Two is typical of Britain in the 19th century and countries such as Nigeria today.

Stage Three

In Stage Three, the population is rapidly rising as the gap between birth and death rates narrow. This could be due to the availability of contraception, increased standard of living and a decrease in the need for child labor, thanks to the mechanization of farming (Kirk, 1996). This is typical of industrialized societies in the late 19th and early 20th century and modern countries including Brazil and China today.

Stage Four

At Stage Four, low birth and death rates have led to a stable and steady population. This is due to the wide availability of contraception and a desire for smaller families (Harbison and Robinson, 2002). Stage Four of the Demographic Transition model can be applied to countries including the U.S., Japan and Sweden today.

Stage Five

Although not a part of the original Demographic Transition model, some populations, such as Germany, have entered, or will soon enter, a fifth stage. This stage is characterized by a high population that is entering a ...