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TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY EDUCATION
SUBMISSION DATE: 20 August 2023 EXAMINER: MSWELI TL
MARKS:100

ASSIGNMENT # 4: POPULATION DYNAMICS

NSTRUCTIONS:
Read ALL questions carefully and answer fully.
Answer FIVE questions ONLY.
Provide a cover sheet for your assignment. It must show your Surname and initials, your
student number and the name of the course and code. In addition, it must show the
assignment topic, your email address and cell phone number.
The assignment must be about 8-12pages in length excluding your references.
DO NOT PLAGIARISE. IT IS NOT ALLOWED.

Question 1
Prehistoric humans migrated out of Africa, eventually populating the whole earth. Provide a
critical analysis of the reasons behind the movement of human beings. How does this
movement change the composition and character of populations? {20}
Question 2
In recent years since the demographic transition, South Africa has experienced a net in-
migration. What are the main continents from which these people come? In your opinion,
what are the push and pull factors that played a role in their decision to move? Are you
convinced that South Africa is at the same time experiencing a net out-migration? How does
the “brain drain” resulting from out-migration affect South Africa negatively? Suggest ways
in which you think South Africa should deal with the problem of migration. {20}
Question 3
(a) Evaluate the demographic transition model and explain the new development in
demographics that challenge the continuing validity of this model. {10}
(b) Differentiate between undocumented migrants, refugee, asylum seekers and
internally displaced persons and emigrants. (10}
Question 4
(a) Do you subscribe to the idea that the earth is overpopulated? How do you
understand the term overpopulation? On the basis of your understanding, compare
the predictions of Malthus (1766-1834) to those of his predecessor Jean Antoine
Condorcet (1743- 1794). Who would you align yourself with looking at population
dynamics today? {10}
 2

(b) What do the following terms mean? Infant Mortality Rate, Natural increase in
population, Physiological density, Carrying capacity of an area, Life expectancy,
Death rate, Arithmetic density, Birth rate, ecological footprint, Demography. {10}
Question 5
Discuss the different types of migration that you know. As people move from place to place
they decide to settle in some areas and not in others. What factors can you identify that
influence population density. {20}
Question 6
Many demographers say the key to reducing the birth rate in less economically developed
countries lies in changing the educational status of women. Discuss the merits of this
statement with reference to one country as a case study (Canada, China, South Africa,
Bangladesh, United Kingdom). {20}

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