SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 14

Correct Answer: Both birth and death rates decline

Explanation

The demographic transition model describes the transformation of societies from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as they develop from pre-industrial to industrialized economic systems. In Stage III of this model, birth rates begin to fall significantly, while death rates continue to decline or remain at a low level. This transition is typically driven by factors such as increased urbanization, improvements in healthcare, greater access to education and family planning, and the changing social and economic status of women. As a result, the population growth rate begins to level off compared to the rapid growth observed in Stage II.

Key Points

• Stage III is characterized by a closing gap between birth and death rates, leading to a stabilization of the population.
• Declining fertility is the hallmark of this stage, often linked to the shift from an agrarian economy to an industrial or service-based economy where children are no longer viewed primarily as economic assets for labor.
• The model helps demographers and policymakers understand how economic development influences population dynamics and aging trends.

Additional Facts

• Stage I of the demographic transition represents pre-industrial society with high birth and high death rates, resulting in little population growth.
• Stage II involves a sharp decline in death rates due to medical and sanitary improvements, while birth rates remain high, leading to a 'population explosion.'
• Stage IV is characterized by both low birth and low death rates, often resulting in a stable or even slowly declining population.

Important Questions

Question: What is the primary factor that often leads to the decline in birth rates during Stage III?

Answer: Increased access to education, urbanization, and improvements in child survival rates are primary drivers.

Question: Which stage of the demographic transition is most associated with an aging population?

Answer: Stage IV and Stage V are most associated with aging populations due to prolonged low fertility and increased life expectancy.