Human geographyLesson 1 of 3 in the course Population, Urbanization, and the Environment

Demography: Population Composition, Change, and Transition

5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Demography is the study of populations and the ways they change. This lesson introduces three major forces that shape a population: fertility, mortality, and migration. Understanding them helps researchers and policymakers interpret population growth and respond to changing community needs.

Fertility describes the number of children born in a population. It is different from fecundity, which refers to the potential number of children women of childbearing age could have. Actual fertility is generally lower than fecundity.

All flashcards

What does a population pyramid show?
A population’s distribution by age and sex.
What is zero population growth (ZPG)?
A stable population size in which entries equal exits.
What are preventive checks in Malthusian theory?
Measures such as birth control that limit growth by lowering fertility.
What is population composition?
A snapshot of a population’s demographic profile, including age and sex distribution.
What does demographic transition theory describe?
Broad changes in birth and death rates as societies industrialize and become postindustrial.

Quiz questions

  1. In demographic statistics, what does the sex ratio represent?Answer: The number of men for every 100 women.
  2. What pattern characterizes Stage 2 of demographic transition theory?Answer: Birthrates remain high as death rates fall and life expectancy rises.
  3. What is the central claim of cornucopian theory?Answer: Human ingenuity can help address environmental and social challenges.
  4. Which sociological perspective studies meanings and labels attached to migrant children?Answer: The interactionist perspective.

Based on Introduction to Sociology 3e by Tonja R. Conerly, Kathleen Holmes, Asha Lal Tamang (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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