Q.What are the suggested reasons for population explosion?
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The population explosion is primarily due to a significant decline in the death rate, while the birth rate remains high, creating a widening gap between births and deaths.
Understanding the reasons behind a population explosion requires looking at the fundamental factors that influence population change: birth rates and death rates. A "population explosion" occurs when the rate of population growth accelerates dramatically over a relatively short period. This phenomenon is not simply about more births, but more critically, about a significant reduction in deaths, coupled with a birth rate that does not decline at a similar pace.
The primary driver of the population explosion, particularly evident in many developing nations including India, has been the rapid decline in the death rate. This decline is a testament to advancements in various fields:
- Improved Public Health and Sanitation: Significant strides have been made in public health infrastructure. Access to cleaner drinking water, better waste management systems, and improved personal hygiene practices have drastically reduced the incidence of water-borne and infectious diseases.
- Advances in Medical Science: The development and widespread availability of vaccines for diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles, along with antibiotics and other life-saving drugs, have played a crucial role. Epidemics that once wiped out large populations are now largely controlled or eradicated.
- Better Nutrition and Food Security: Enhanced agricultural productivity and more efficient food distribution systems have reduced the frequency and severity of famines. This has led to better nutritional status among the population, increasing resistance to diseases and improving overall health, especially for infants and children.
The decline in the infant mortality rate (IMR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR) is particularly significant. When fewer infants die, and mothers survive childbirth, it directly contributes to a higher survival rate within the population.
While the death rate has fallen sharply, the birth rate has not declined as rapidly, or in some cases, has remained stubbornly high for an extended period. Several socio-economic and cultural factors contribute to this:
- Lack of Awareness and Access to Family Planning: In many regions, especially rural areas, there is often a lack of awareness about modern contraceptive methods or limited access to family planning services. This results in unintended pregnancies and higher fertility rates.
- Socio-Cultural Norms and Beliefs:
- Preference for Male Children: A strong societal preference for male offspring often leads couples to continue having children until they have a desired number of sons, contributing to larger family sizes.
- Children as Economic Assets: In agrarian societies, children are sometimes viewed as additional hands to work on farms or contribute to family income, making larger families seem economically beneficial. …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.