Which statement correctly describes how replacement-level fertility is linked to the stages of demographic transition?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Population stabilizes once fertility remains at replacement level for a sustained period.
The statement that correctly describes the link between replacement-level fertility and the demographic transition model is: Population stabilizes once fertility remains at replacement level for a sustained period.
Replacement-level fertility (RLF) is the average number of children a woman needs to have to eventually replace herself and her partner, typically around 2.1 children per woman.
- Link to Stability: When the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) drops to and remains at RLF for an extended period, the population will eventually stop growing and stabilize. This is because the population structure takes time to adjust due to population momentum (the large number of young people in the reproductive age group from previous high-fertility phases).
- Late Transitional Stage: Fertility rates begin nearing RLF during the late transitional stage (Stage 3).
- Post-Transitional Stage: Achieving and sustaining RLF is a characteristic of the Post-Transitional Stage (Stage 4), which marks the end of the rapid population growth phase. The lag before stabilization is due to the aforementioned population momentum.