Demography

Question 1

In a nutshell

Answer 1

Some sociologists believe the quality of life has significantly improved, whereby life expectancy is increasing, birth rate is decreasing and infant mortality is decreasing. Technological, cultural and social change has led to such an improvement. However, some sociologists disregard this in arguing there is now an increased dependency culture which is a burden on society.

Question 2

births (1/2)

Answer 2

Birth rate - the number of live births per year per 1000. Trends: a long-term decline in birth rate. However, there were 3 ‘baby booms’ after WW1, WW2 and during the 1960’s.

Question 3

REASONS FOR THE DECLINE IN BIRTH RATE

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1. Changes in the position of women -

Answer 3

1. Changes in the position of women - Increased educational opportunities, more women in paid work, change in attitude towards family life and the women’s role, wider access to abortion and contraception.

Question 4

2. Fall in infant mortality rate -

Answer 4

2. Fall in infant mortality rate - improved housing, sanitation, nutrition, knowledge of hygiene and child health, improved technology, antibiotics.

Question 5

3. Children as an economic liability -

Answer 5

3. Children as an economic liability - Laws banning child labour coupled with the introduction of compulsory schooling has meant children remain economically dependent for longer, changing norms about children’s right to a high standard of living raises their cost.

Question 6

4. Child centredness -

Answer 6

4. Child centredness - childhood is now socially constructed and uniquely important period of life, parents focus on quality not quantity, meaning they have fewer children but lavish more attention and resources on them.​

Question 7

births (2/2)

IMPACT OF A DECLINING BIRTH RATE

Answer 7

The dependency ratio increases - the relationship between the size of the working population and the non-working (dependent) population.

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The working population’s earnings support the dependent population through tax.

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Women are having fewer children because this reduces the ‘burden of dependency’.

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Public services - fewer schools, child health services etc.

Question 8

deaths

Answer 8

Death rate - The number of deaths per 1000 per year. Trends: declining. With the exception of fluctuations in WW1, WW2 and the 1918 flu epidemic.

Question 9

REASONS FOR A DECLINE IN DEATH RATE

Answer 9

Improved nutrition

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Medical improvements (vaccinations, antibiotics, NHS)

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Public health improvements (better housing, clean water, clean air)

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Social change (decline in manual labour, greater knowledge of disease)

Question 10

AGEING POPULATION (1/2)

REASONS FOR AN AGEING POPULATION

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Answer 10

The average age in the UK is increasing because of:

Increased life expectancy
Low infant mortality rate
Declining fertility

Question 11

IMPACT OF AN AGEING POPULATION

Answer 11

Increased strain on public services
More one-person households
The rising dependency ratio
Ageism

Question 12

AGEING POPULATION (2/2)

PHILLIPSON (MARXIST):​

Answer 12

The old are of no use to capitalism because they are no longer productive and an economically dependent group, adding to the dependency ratio.

Question 13

HUNT (POSTMODERNIST):​

Answer 13

We can choose our identity no matter what our age is: our age no longer determines who we are. As a result of this, the elderly become a market for body maintenance and rejuvenation services and goods, such as cosmetic surgery, gym membership and anti-ageing products.

Question 14

MIGRATION

IMMIGRATION:​

Answer 14

Movement into a society

Question 15

EMIGRATION:​

Answer 15

Movement put of a society

Question 16

REASONS FOR MIGRATION​

Answer 16

Push factors - unemployment and economic recession

Pull factors - higher wages and better opportunities

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