Question

Study the given diagram carefully and answer the question that follows.

Demographic Transition Theory

Explain the main characteristics of Stage I of the Demographic Transition Theory on the basis of birth rate, death rate and growth of population.

Hint:

• Stage I is known as the High Stationary Stage.
• Birth Rate (BR) = Very High.
• Death Rate (DR) = Very High.
• Population Growth = Very Low or Nearly Stable.
• Typical of primitive or underdeveloped societies.

Answer 1

Concept:
• The Demographic Transition Theory explains the changes in population growth as a country progresses from an underdeveloped to a developed stage.
• It describes the relationship between the Birth Rate (BR), Death Rate (DR) and the Growth of Population.
• The theory generally consists of three stages: Stage I, Stage II and Stage III.
• Stage I is known as the High Stationary Stage, where both birth rate and death rate remain very high.

Step 1: Explain the Birth Rate in Stage I.
In Stage I, the birth rate remains very high because of:
• Lack of family planning.
• Early marriages.
• High infant mortality rate.
• Dependence on agriculture, where large families provide labour.
• Low level of education and awareness.

Step 2: Explain the Death Rate in Stage I.
The death rate is also very high due to:
• Poor healthcare facilities.
• Frequent epidemics and diseases.
• Malnutrition and famine.
• Lack of sanitation and clean drinking water.
• Poor medical technology.

Step 3: Explain the Growth of Population.
Since both the birth rate and death rate remain almost equal and very high, the natural increase in population is either very low or nearly zero. As a result, the total population remains almost stable with very slow population growth.

Step 4: Write the final answer.
Answer: Stage I of the Demographic Transition Theory is called the High Stationary Stage. During this stage, both the birth rate and death rate are very high. The high birth rate is due to early marriages, lack of family planning and dependence on agriculture, while the high death rate is caused by poor healthcare, diseases, famine and inadequate sanitation. Since the birth rate and death rate are almost equal, the population growth remains very slow or nearly stagnant.