With reference to the theory of demographic transition, consider the following statements:
1. For the initial two state of the demographic cycle, a high fertility rate and death rate would result in high population growth.
2. In the third stage, both fertility and mortality factors would decline significantly.
3. The demographic transition theory does not explicitly take into account the migration factor.
4. Social and cultural factors can greatly affect the population, which can impact what the theory predicts.
Which of the statements given above is/are CORRECT?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. 2, 3, and 4 only.
Statement 1 is incorrect: In the first stage, both birth and death rates are high, resulting in a low/stable population growth, not high.
Statement 2 is correct: The third stage is characterized by a significant decline in both fertility (birth rates) and mortality (death rates).
Statement 3 is correct: The theory focuses strictly on natural change (births and deaths), omitting migration.
Statement 4 is correct: Social preferences and cultural shifts alter fertility behaviors, modifying standard transition timelines.