1.5 demography and the family

Question 1

What is the current birth rate?

Answer 1

1.6 babies per woman

Question 2

What are some reasons for a decline in the total fertility rate?

Answer 2

• changes in social attitudes
• compulsory education -> children are no longer an economic asset but are an economic liability
• safer and cheaper methods of birth control and contraception
• women have more employment opportunities and pursue their own career

Question 3

Statistics on the infant mortality rate

Answer 3

By the 1950s the birth rate had fallen to 30
by 2007 = 5
by 2019 = 4

Question 4

What are some reasons for the decline in the infant mortality rate?

Answer 4

• more knowledge of hygiene, health and welfare
• more services for mothers and children e.g. postnatal clinics

Question 5

What are the advantages of an ageing population?

Answer 5

• a boost to the economy with the ‘grey pound’
• family support: grandparents can be used for unpaid childcare

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of an ageing population?

Answer 6

• a growing burden of dependence
• there are housing shortages: older people occupy their homes for longer

Question 7

How does an ageing population impact family diversity?

Answer 7

the ageing population is likely to generate more family and household diversity:
- more one-person households
- more beanpole families
- the return of the classic extended family

Question 8

What does Lawton(2013) say about the ageing population?

Answer 8

• older people have the freedom to work for longer if they choose and helps promote growth in the UK economy through the continuing application of their skills and experience

Question 9

Statistics on death rates

Answer 9

the death rate has been steadily declining
1990 = 19
2007 = 10
2012 = 9

Question 10

What are some explanations for the changes in the death rate?

Answer 10

• higher living standards
• improved hygiene, sanitation and medicine
• health education
• improved working conditions
• public health and welfare