Topic 4 Demography

Question 1

Demographics

Answer 1

Demographics - no. of births, deaths and study of population size

Question 2

Reasons for fall in mortality rate

Answer 2

Infant mortality fell from 151 in 1901 to 4.8 in 2007 - the first year they are the most vulnerable and weak

Acheson report stated cultural and material factors are a more significant reason - they can’t afford to buy in bulk which is cheaper

McKeown shows nutrition and hygiene advances are important e.g washing hands and balanced diet to avoid diseases like CVD and diabetes

Lesser importance Jewson argues improvement of immunisation, penicillin and surgical techniques

Question 3

Reasons for fall in infectious diseases e.g TB

Answer 3

Improved nutrition

Government enforced laws on public health , pure drinking water and better sewage disposal

Social changes of decline in dangerous occupations like
mining

Question 4

Consequences of of fall in mortality rate

Answer 4

Ageing population demographic time bomb - cost of pension , reduced taxes as this group are not working , burden on health and social services but ignore the fact they have worked entire life

Hockey and James argue the elderly are negatively stereotyped by the media and infantilised making old age difficult and is patronising

Blaikie says there is a ‘third age’ where you enjoy retirement and ‘fourth age’ of dependency

Gannon say women are affected the most by ageism, sexism and poverty as they live longer and the ones expected to look after the elderly

Question 5

Reasons for fall in fertility rate

Answer 5

Sharpe argues the emancipation of women with careers

Waugh argues it is part of a demographic transition

Beck and beck Gershiem argue it is due to individualisation

Morgan says it is due to a rise in cohabitation

Improved contraception, access to sterilisation and abortion

Women are having children later in life

Increased desire for material goods and cost of raising children