Question

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

Explain the third stage of demographic transition theory on the basis of birth rate, death rate and population growth.

Hint:

Stage I: High BR, High DR (Stagnant).
Stage II: High BR, Low DR (Explosion).
Stage III: Low BR, Low DR (Stable).

Answer 1

Concept:
• Demographic Transition Theory describes the transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops.

• Stage III (The Post-Transitional Stage) represents a mature, industrialized, and urbanized society.

Step 1: Analyze the trends in birth and death rates
In the third stage, both the birth rate and the death rate decline considerably.
The rates eventually reach a low level and become almost equal.

Step 2: Explain the resulting population growth
Because the birth and death rates are both low and similar, the population growth becomes stable.
The population may grow very slowly or even become stationary.

Step 3: Describe the underlying socio-economic causes
The society becomes urbanized and literate.
Families grow smaller as parents deliberately control family size.
High levels of technical knowledge allow for better healthcare and living standards.