Explain the basic argument of the theory of demographic transition. Why is the transition period associated with a ‘population explosion’?
Why did Malthus believe that catastrophic events like famines and epidemics that cause mass deaths were inevitable?
What is meant by ‘birth rate’ and ‘death rate’? Explain why the birth rate is relatively slow to fall while the death rate declines much faster.
Which states in India have reached or are very near the ‘replacement levels’ of population growth? Which ones still have very high rates of population growth? In your opinion, what could be some of the reasons for these regional differences?
What is meant by the ‘age structure’ of the population? Why is it relevant for economic development and growth?
What is meant by the ‘sex ratio’? What are some of the implications of a declining sex ratio? Do you feel that parents still prefer to have sons rather than daughters? What, in your opinion, could be some of the reasons for this preference?