Birth and Fertility Rates

Question 1

What are the 4 reasons for declines in birth and fertility rates?

Answer 1

-changing position of women
-decline in infant mortality rates
-cost of having children
-growth of child centred-ness

Question 2

Which theory believed in the reason for declining birth rates was the changing position of women in society?

Answer 2

Feminist sociologist

Question 3

According to feminist sociologists, why has the changing position of women lead to a decline in birth rates?

Answer 3

There has been a genderquake and feminisation of the workforce. More opportunities to pursue education and therefore a career. 1970 Equal Pay Act.
Legal abortions and contraceptive pill and voluntary childness

Question 4

Evaluation of the idea that the changing position of women has caused a decline in birth and fertility rates…

Answer 4

-shift in power has not occurred for all women
-stigma of being childless is still high

Question 5

Which theory and which sociologist believed the reason declining birth rates is because of the fall in infant mortality rates?

Answer 5

March of Progress view and Shorter (1975)

Question 6

According to March of Progress sociologist Shorter (1975) why has the decline in infant mortality rates lead to a decrease in birth rates?

Answer 6

Shorter (1975) believes 18th century infant mortality rates were high. Children died often and in the workplace. With the creation of the NHS in 1948, childhood vaccine programmes against measles and TB.
High infant mortality rates lead to high birth rate as parents needed to have loads of kids in order for some to survive

Question 7

Evaluation of the reason for declining birth rates being because of a decline in infant mortality rates…

Answer 7

-lack of scientific knowledge and access to contraception may of been the reason for high birth rates
-nowadays, parents don’t base their family plans on infant mortality rates

Question 8

Which theory believed the reason for declining birth rates is due to the cost of having children?

Answer 8

March of Progress sociologists

Question 9

According to March of Progress sociologist Shorter (1975) why has the cost of having children lead to a decrease in birth rates?

Answer 9

Up until the end of the 19th century, kids were seen as economic assets. Then the abolition of child labour (Factory Act 1833) meant kids were no longer regarded as mini adults. They are now seen as an economic burden. Use pester power to get what they want. More time in school means more time being financially dependent on parents

Question 10

Evaluation of the reason for declining birth rates being because of the cost of having children…

Answer 10

-secure welfare state where families can access money to have children
-low income families tend to have more children indicating cost isn’t an issue

Question 11

Which theory and sociologist believe the reason for declining birth rates is down to the growth of child centred-ness?

Answer 11

The March of Progress view and Cunningham (2006)

Question 12

According to March of Progress sociologist Cunningham (2006) why has the growth of child centred-ness lead to decline in birth rates?

Answer 12

Kids are now seen as important family members. In need of loving and nurturing. Unlike in the past when children were seen but not heard. Now, likely to be involved in family decisions and have a more visible presence. Parents will have fewer children so they can nurture and love the few children they have well

Question 13

Evaluation of the reason for a decline birth being because of a growth in child centred-ness?

Answer 13

-parents factor in other costs when having children, like money and time

Question 14

What are the 3 effects of falling birth and fertility rates on society?

Answer 14

-smaller family sizes
-impact on the dependency ratio
-impact on policies

Question 15

Explain the effect of smaller family sizes because of falling birth and fertility rates…

Answer 15

1990s, average number of children was 2-3, now its 1-2. Described as the beanpole family. Three, four, possibly 5 generations alive at any one time. Created a small thin family structure.

Question 16

Evaluation of the smaller family sizes being the effect of lower birth rates?

Answer 16

-no siblings, a child can become lonely

Question 17

Explain the effect of on the dependency ratio being because of falling birth and fertility rates…

Answer 17

Dependency ratio refers to the number who are in paid employment compared to those who are not. Short term, if birth rates are falling the number of dependent people in the population falls. Though this will mean that the number of those in the workforce will fall.

Question 18

Evaluation of the impact dependency ratio being the effect of lower birth rates?

Answer 18

-a smaller workforce in the future leads to less tax revenue

Question 19

Explain the effect on policy making being because of falling birth and fertility rates…

Answer 19

There are governmental policies designed to raise infants. Most families are entitled to child benefits in which they will receive £20.70 a week. Children are also legally to be in education until 18. Also childhood vaccination programs target to reduce the risk of health implications early on

Question 20

Evaluation of the impact on policy making being the effect of lower birth rates?

Answer 20

-low birth rates means less workers in the future meaning less tax revenue to pay for such services