Population Studies Flashcards
Define population studies
Population Studies is the branch of Science currently referred to as Demography.
Demography is the statistical and mathematical study of the size, composition, and spatial distribution of human populations, as well as how these features vary over time
List examples of demographic data
The examples of demographic data are employment, education, income, marriage rates, birth and death rates, and other socioeconomic indicators.
Which key demographic processes are investigated when studying population dynamics?
To better understand population dynamics, Demographers investigate the three key demographic processes:
Birth
Migration
Death
All the three factors influence how people inhabit the globe, build nations and societies, and produce culture
Births are affected by fertility
Deaths affected by mortality
Migrations affected by the process of migration
List the main sources of demographic data
Main sources
Census
Vital registrations (birth, marriage, death, migration)
Sample surveys (Demographic and Health Surveys, multiple indicator cluster survey)
List other (not main) souces of demographic data
Population register
Demographic surveillance systems
Voters registration
Social security system
School enrollment
Income tax returns
List the components/elements of demography
Size
Geographical Distribution
Composition
Components of Change
Describe population size as an element of demography
The total number of people living in a specific place at a specific period is referred to as population size.
All factors that influence population size are studied in relation to demography
That is how important they are in influencing population size and shape
Describe geographical distribution as an element of demography
Migration has a significant impact on population distribution and labor supply.
Demography investigates the factors that cause people to migrate internally and externally within and across countries.
Population size and distribution within the country is also greatly impacted by urbanization.
Describe composition as an element of demography
The study of population composition and density is essential
Composition of population characteristics such as the sex ratio, race and age-group, population size.
Describe components of change as an element of demography
The birth and death rates are the most important determinants of population growth- hence their inclusion in population studies is essential.
In addition, factors such as marriage and migration are also equally important.
How does demography contribute to economy?
Population studies allow us to see how closely the economy’s growth rate meets the population’s growth rate.
If the population grows at a greater rate, the economy will develop at a slower pace.
Governments can take necessary measures to restrict population increase and stimulate economic development.
How does demography contribute to society?
When the population grows rapidly, the society is confronted with numerous issues.
Basic utilities such as water, electricity, transportation and communications, public health, and education are all affected
Problems of migration and urbanization are also linked to the expanding population, resulting in an increase in law and order issues.
As a result, governments and non-governmental social organizations can take necessary action to address them
How does demography contribute to economic planning?
Data on the current pattern in population growth aid planners in developing policies for the country’s economic plans.
Planners also utilize population data to forecast future fertility patterns and design policy strategies to reduce the birth rate
How does demography contribute to administration?
Government administrators can benefit from population studies as well.
Almost all social and economic concerns in underdeveloped countries are linked to population growth.
The administrator must address and provide answers to the issues that arise as a result of population expansion.
How does demography contribute to political system?
Demographic knowledge is important for a democratic political system to function.
The election commission of a country demarcates constituencies based on census numbers pertaining to various locations.
After each election, the number of voters is increased to see how many people have moved in from other parts of the country
