Economics · Ch 7 — Population
Demographic Transition Theory
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Demographic Transition Theory
The Demographic Transition Theory explains how a country's birth rate and death rate change as it develops economically, and how population growth passes through distinct stages as a result.
| Stage | Birth Rate | Death Rate | Population Growth | India's Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First — High Stationary | High | High | Low / near-stagnant (high births offset by high deaths) | Pre-1921 India |
| Second — Expanding | High (falls slowly) | Falls rapidly (better medicine, sanitation, public health) | Very rapid — the 'population explosion' | Roughly 1921–1981 |
| Third — Low Stationary | Low | Low | Low and stable | India is gradually moving into this stage today |
Definition 1Crude Birth Rate (CBR)
The number of live births per 1,000 of the population in a year: CBR = (Live Births during the year ÷ Mid-year …
Definition 2Crude Death Rate (CDR)
The number of deaths per 1,000 of the population in a year: CDR = (Deaths during the year ÷ Mid-year P …