Population : Part – 2
Exercise
Q. 1) Identify the correct correlation:
A: Assertion; R: Reasoning
1) A: Increase in dependency ratio will affect the economy.
R: Medical costs are high when there are more elderly in the population.
Answer: 3) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: An increase in the dependency ratio means a higher proportion of non-working (dependent) population, such as the elderly, which strains the economy due to higher medical and pension costs. The reasoning correctly explains the assertion.
2) A: In population pyramid, a broad base indicates high number of children in a country.
R: Broad apex is an indicator of high number of elderly in a country.
Answer: 4) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: A broad base in a population pyramid indicates a high birth rate (more children), and a broad apex indicates a high number of elderly. Both statements are correct, but the reasoning does not explain the assertion as they refer to different parts of the pyramid.
Q. 2) Write short notes on:
1. Population growth and migration:
Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a region, influenced by birth rates, death rates, and migration. Migration, the movement of people from one place to another, affects population growth by increasing the population in the recipient region and decreasing it in the donor region. For example, internal migration (e.g., rural to urban) can lead to urban population growth, while external migration (e.g., to foreign countries) may reduce a country’s population. Migration impacts population density, age structure, and sex ratio, influencing economic and social development.
2. Population pyramid and sex ratio:
A population pyramid is a graphical representation of the age and gender distribution of a population. The Y-axis shows age groups, while the X-axis shows the population (males on the left, females on the right). It helps analyze age structure (e.g., broad base for high birth rates) and dependency ratios. The sex ratio, calculated as the number of females per 1000 males, indicates gender balance. For instance, India’s sex ratio (Census 2011) is 943 females per 1000 males, reflecting social and cultural factors affecting gender distribution.
3. Occupational structure of a population:
The occupational structure refers to the distribution of the working population (aged 15-59) across primary (e.g., agriculture), secondary (e.g., manufacturing), tertiary (e.g., services), and quaternary (e.g., IT) sectors. It reflects a country’s economic development. In developed countries, more people work in secondary and tertiary sectors due to industrialization, while in developing countries like India, the primary sector (e.g., agriculture) dominates. For example, in 2011, 48.96% of India’s workforce was in the primary sector (Table 2.3).
4. Literacy rate:
Literacy rate is the percentage of the population above a certain age (in India, 7 years) who can read, write, and perform basic arithmetic with understanding. It is an indicator of socio-economic development, reflecting access to education, gender equality, and government policies. Higher literacy rates, as seen in Europe (99% in 2016, Fig. 2.3), correlate with better living standards, while lower rates in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa (65% for females) indicate developmental challenges.
Q. 3) Give geographical reasons:
1. In developed countries, percentage of population engaged in agriculture is low:
In developed countries, advanced technology and mechanization reduce the need for labor in agriculture, increasing productivity with fewer workers. Industrialization and urbanization shift the workforce to secondary (manufacturing) and tertiary (services) sectors, which offer higher wages and better opportunities. For example, in the USA, only about 1-2% of the population is engaged in agriculture due to these factors.
2. Literacy rate of a country is an indicator of its socio-economic development:
A high literacy rate reflects better access to education, improved living standards, and effective government policies, which are hallmarks of socio-economic development. It enhances human capital, leading to higher productivity and economic growth. Conversely, low literacy rates, as in Sub-Saharan Africa (Fig. 2.3), indicate limited educational infrastructure and socio-economic challenges, hindering development.
3. Demographic dividend increases when proportion of working population increases:
Demographic dividend occurs when the working-age population (15-59 years) grows larger than the dependent population (children and elderly) due to declining birth and death rates. This increases the ratio of workers to dependents, boosting economic productivity and savings. For example, India’s projected demographic dividend (Table 2.1) shows a rising working population ratio (1.81:1 by 2021-30), enhancing economic growth potential.
4. Migration is not always permanent:
Migration can be temporary or seasonal, driven by factors like employment, education, or marriage. For instance, seasonal migration occurs when laborers move for agricultural work (e.g., sugarcane harvesting in Maharashtra) and return home afterward. Short-term migration, such as students moving for education or workers relocating temporarily, is also common. These movements are not permanent as individuals often return to their original location.
Q. 4) Differentiate between:
1. Donor region and Recipient region:
| Aspect | Donor Region | Recipient Region |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The region from which people migrate. | The region to which people migrate. |
| Population Impact | Population decreases due to out-migration. | Population increases due to in-migration. |
| Example | Rural areas in India losing people to cities. | Urban areas like Mumbai gaining migrants. |
| Effects | Reduced pressure on resources; may face labor shortages. | Increased pressure on housing, water, and services. |
2. Expansive pyramid and Constrictive pyramid:
| Aspect | Expansive Pyramid | Constrictive Pyramid |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Broad base, narrow apex (triangular). | Narrow base, broader apex (bell-shaped). |
| Birth/Death Rates | High birth rate, high death rate. | Low birth rate, low death rate. |
| Age Structure | More children, fewer elderly. | Fewer children, more elderly. |
| Example | Developing countries (e.g., Pyramid A, Fig. 2.1). | Developed countries (e.g., Pyramid B, Fig. 2.1). |
Q. 5) Answer in detail:
1. Outline the importance of population pyramids in the study of populations:
Population pyramids are critical tools in population geography, providing a visual representation of a population’s age and gender distribution. Their importance includes:
- Age Structure Analysis: Pyramids show the proportion of different age groups (e.g., children, working-age, elderly), helping identify dependency ratios. For example, a broad base (as in Pyramid A, Fig. 2.1) indicates a high birth rate, while a broad apex (Pyramid B) shows an aging population.
- Economic Planning: A large working-age population (15-59 years) suggests a potential demographic dividend, as seen in India’s 2016 pyramid (Fig. 2.2), aiding economic planning.
- Social and Health Policy: Pyramids highlight the need for education (for children) or healthcare (for the elderly). For instance, Pyramid B indicates high medical expenditure due to more elderly.
- Development Insights: The shape of the pyramid (expansive, constrictive, or stationary) indicates a country’s development stage. Developing countries have expansive pyramids, while developed ones have constrictive or stationary pyramids.
- Gender Distribution: Pyramids reveal sex ratios across age groups, reflecting social issues like gender discrimination.
Thus, population pyramids guide policymakers in addressing demographic challenges and planning for sustainable development.
2. Explain the rural and urban population structure:
Rural and urban population structures differ based on residence, livelihood, and demographic characteristics:
Rural Population Structure:
- Characteristics: Rural areas are primarily engaged in primary activities like agriculture, fishing, or forestry. The population often has a higher dependency ratio due to more children and elderly, as seen in India’s rural areas.
- Age-Sex Structure: Rural areas may have a balanced or female-biased sex ratio (e.g., Kerala, 1084 per Census 2011) due to male out-migration for work. The age structure may show more children and fewer working-age adults.
- Development Level: Lower literacy rates and limited infrastructure reflect slower socio-economic development.
Urban Population Structure:
- Characteristics: Urban areas are dominated by secondary (manufacturing) and tertiary (services) activities. The working-age population is higher due to migration from rural areas, as seen in cities like Mumbai.
- Age-Sex Structure: Urban areas often have a male-biased sex ratio (e.g., Mumbai, 832) due to male migrant workers. The age structure shows a bulge in the working-age group, indicating economic productivity.
- Development Level: Higher literacy rates, better infrastructure, and access to services reflect advanced socio-economic development.
- Differences: Rural areas have higher primary sector engagement, while urban areas focus on non-primary sectors. Urban populations face pressure on resources like housing, while rural areas may experience underutilized facilities due to out-migration.
3. Examine the impact of migration on the population structure of a country:
Migration, the movement of people within or across borders, significantly alters a country’s population structure in both donor and recipient regions:
Donor Region Impacts:
- Population Decrease: Out-migration reduces the population, as seen in rural India where people move to urban areas.
- Age Structure Change: The working-age population, especially males, often migrates, leaving behind children and elderly. For example, Kerala’s higher sex ratio (1084, Census 2011) results from male out-migration.
- Sex Ratio Imbalance: Loss of males leads to a female-biased sex ratio, altering social dynamics.
- Economic Effects: Reduced labor may hinder local economies, and underutilized facilities (e.g., schools) become cost-inefficient.
Recipient Region Impacts:
- Population Increase: In-migration boosts population, as seen in urban centers like Mumbai and Pune.
- Age Structure Shift: Recipient regions gain working-age individuals, increasing the proportion of the 15-59 age group, which supports economic growth (e.g., demographic dividend).
- Sex Ratio Imbalance: Male-dominated migration leads to a male-biased sex ratio (e.g., Mumbai, 832).
- Economic and Social Strain: Increased population pressures housing, water, and transportation, leading to slum growth and economic inequality. However, recipient regions benefit from new ideas, technological development, and economic growth.
- Overall Impact: Migration redistributes population, affecting density, age-sex structure, and occupational patterns. While recipient regions drive innovation and growth, donor regions may face labor shortages and social challenges. Effective policies are needed to balance these impacts.
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