Notes Class 12 Chapter 2 Geography Maharashtra Board

Population : Part – 2

Introduction

Population as a Human Resource: Population is not just about numbers; it is a valuable resource because people’s physical and intellectual abilities drive a region’s development.
Impact of Population: The way human resources are used affects the development of natural resources and economic activities. Poorly managed human resources can harm the use of other resources.
Population Geography: This field studies population characteristics like:
Population structure (age, sex, literacy, etc.)
Sex ratio
Literacy rate
Occupational structure
Rural-urban composition
Migration

1. Population Composition

Population composition refers to the characteristics of a population, such as age, sex, literacy, and occupation.

1.1 Age Structure

Definition: Age structure shows how many people belong to different age groups (e.g., infants, children, teenagers, young adults, adults, and elderly).
Importance: The proportion of people in each age group affects a country’s development and economy.
A large working-age population (15–59 years) means more workers and economic growth.
A high number of children (0–15 years) or elderly (60+ years) increases the dependency ratio (people who rely on others for support).

Population Pyramids:

These are graphs used to show the age and gender distribution of a population.
Y-axis: Shows age groups.
X-axis: Shows the number or percentage of people (males on the left, females on the right).
Base: Represents children (younger population).
Apex: Represents elderly (older population).

Types of Population Pyramids (Fig. 2.1)

Expansive Pyramid (A):

Shape: Broad base, narrow apex.
Features: High birth rate and high death rate, more young people, fewer elderly.
Example: Developing countries with growing populations.

Constrictive Pyramid (B):

Shape: Narrow base, broader apex.
Features: Low birth rate, low death rate, more elderly, fewer young people.
Example: Developed countries with aging populations.

Stationary Pyramid (C):

Shape: Similar width for all age groups.
Features: Very low birth and death rates, stable population with little growth.
Example: Highly developed countries with balanced populations.

India’s Population Pyramid (Fig. 2.2, 2016)

Type: Expansive pyramid (broad base, high birth rate).

Age Structure:

Large young population (0–15 years).
Significant working-age population (15–59 years).
Smaller elderly population (60+ years).
Indicates a growing population with potential for economic growth if managed well.

1.2 Sex Composition

Definition: Sex composition refers to the number of males and females in a population.
Sex Ratio:

It is the ratio of females to males, calculated as:

Global Average: 990 females per 1000 males.
Highest Sex Ratio: Countries like Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Ukraine (e.g., 1162 females per 1000 males).
Lowest Sex Ratio: Saudi Arabia (667 females per 1000 males).
Asia: Generally low sex ratio (e.g., China, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan).
India (Census 2011): 943 females per 1000 males.
Importance: Sex ratio reflects the status of women in a country and affects social and economic development.

1.3 Demographic Dividend

Definition: Demographic dividend is the economic growth that occurs when a country’s working-age population grows larger than its dependent population (children and elderly).

How It Happens:

Declining birth and death rates lead to fewer children and a larger working-age population.
With fewer dependents, resources can be invested in education, health, and infrastructure, boosting the economy.

India’s Demographic Dividend (Table 2.1):

2001–10: Ratio of working to non-working population: 1.33:1, 57.1% working population.
2011–20: Ratio: 1.53:1, 60.5% working population.
2021–30 (projected): Ratio: 1.81:1, 64.4% working population.
2031–40 (projected): Ratio: 1.72:1, 63.2% working population.

Key Points:

A higher working population increases economic productivity.
If the ratio decreases, dependency rises, slowing economic growth.
The dividend depends on government policies in education, health, and employment.

Benefits of Demographic Dividend

Increased Savings: Fewer dependents allow people to save more, stimulating the economy.
Better Education: Parents invest more in fewer children, building human capital.
Women in Workforce: More women join the labor force, boosting economic growth.
Higher Per Capita GDP: Lower dependency reduces economic burden.

1.4 Retirement Age Reforms (Table 2.2)

What It Shows: Many countries are increasing retirement ages due to aging populations and rising life expectancy.

Examples:

Germany: Retirement age to 66 by 2023, 67 by 2029.
USA: To 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
UK: To 66 by 2020, 67 by 2026–28.
Australia: To 67 by 2023.
China: To 65 by 2045.
Japan: Considering raising to 70.
India: Average 60 years (varies 55–65 by service).

Reasons for Increasing Retirement Age:

Longer life expectancy (e.g., Japan: 84 years).
Pressure on pension funds and healthcare due to more elderly.
Fewer young people to support the economy.

Impact on Economy:

Keeps experienced workers in the workforce longer.
Reduces pension costs.
May create competition for younger workers seeking jobs.
China’s Delay to 2045: China’s young population is still significant, but it will decline by 2045, necessitating a higher retirement age.
India’s Context: With a young population, increasing retirement age may not be urgent, but rising life expectancy could require it in the future.

1.5 Literacy and Education

Definition: Literacy rate is the percentage of people who can read, write, and perform basic arithmetic with understanding.

India’s Definition: Population above 7 years who can read, write, and do arithmetic.

Minimum Age for Literacy Calculation:

Brazil: 15 years.
USA: 15 years.
Germany: 15 years.

Importance:

Indicates socio-economic development.
Reflects standard of living, women’s status, education facilities, and government policies.
Higher literacy leads to better economic development, and vice versa.

Global Literacy Rates (Fig. 2.3, 2016):

Highest Literacy: Central Asia, Europe, North America (near 100%).
Lowest Literacy: Sub-Saharan Africa (57–72%).
Gender Gap: Males generally have higher literacy than females, except in regions with full literacy (e.g., Central Asia).
Conclusion: Literacy varies across regions. Developed regions have higher rates, while developing regions, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, lag. Gender equality in literacy is better in developed regions.

1.6 Occupational Structure

Definition: The distribution of the working population (15–59 years) across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors.

Importance:

Reflects a country’s economic development.
Developed economies have more workers in secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors.
Developing economies have more workers in primary sectors (e.g., agriculture).

India’s Occupational Structure (Table 2.3, 1901–2011):

Primary Sector (agriculture, fishing, mining):

Highest: 72.7% in 1951.
Declining trend: 48.96% by 2011.

Secondary Sector (manufacturing, construction):

Increasing trend: 12.5% in 1901 to 23.52% in 2011.

Tertiary Sector (trade, transport, services):

Increasing trend: 15.6% in 1901 to 27.52% in 2011.

Key Observations:

Primary sector employment is decreasing as India industrializes.
Secondary and tertiary sectors are growing, indicating economic development.
Lowest occupation: Mining (0.1% in 1901).

1.7 Rural-Urban Composition

Definition: The division of population into rural (primary activities like farming) and urban (non-primary activities like industries, services).

Differences:

Lifestyle: Rural areas focus on agriculture; urban areas focus on industries and services.
Age-Sex Structure: Urban areas often have more working-age males, affecting sex ratio.
Development: Urban areas are more developed with better infrastructure.
Criteria: Varies by country, but generally based on occupation and residence.

2. Migration

Definition: The movement of people from one place to another, within a country or across borders, for short or long periods, voluntarily or involuntarily.

Types of Migration:

By Region:

Internal Migration: Within a country (e.g., moving from a village to Mumbai).
External Migration: To another country (e.g., moving to the USA for education).

By Duration:

Short-Term/Seasonal: Temporary, e.g., sugarcane workers in Maharashtra.
Long-Term: For an extended period, may return occasionally.
Permanent: Never returning to the original place.

By Intention:

Voluntary: By choice (e.g., for jobs, education).
Involuntary: Forced (e.g., due to war, natural disasters).

Reasons for Migration

Push Factors: Factors that force people to leave (e.g., unemployment, drought, war).
Pull Factors: Factors that attract people (e.g., jobs, education, better living standards).