UNIT-4: DEMOGRAPHY

POPULATION
• Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a specific
geographic area, usually a country, region, or city, over a certain period of time.
• It is often expressed as a percentage to indicate the rate of increase relative to
the initial population size.
• The rate of population growth can vary significantly between regions and
countries.
• High population growth rates are often associated with developing countries
where birth rates are relatively high and access to healthcare and education
might be limited.
• In contrast, developed countries tend to have lower population growth rates due
to lower birth rates and more stable social and economic conditions.

NEED FOR POPULATION GROWTH STUDY

a) Social
b) economic,
c) environmental factors,
d) urbanization,
e) resource management (conservation and utilization of renewable resources and
non-renewable resources,
f) Physical infrastructure management (water, electricity, transportation, sanitation,
energy infrastructure,
g) Social infrastructure management (school, colleges, banks, hospitals,
recreational areas)
 POPULATION
Population growth is a fundamental demographic concept and is influenced by
several key factors:

a) Birth Rate: The number of births in a given population during a specific period of
time, usually a year. A high birth rate contributes to population growth.

b) Death Rate: The number of deaths in a given population during a specific period
of time. A low death rate can contribute to population growth by reducing the rate
of population decrease.

c) Net Migration: The difference between the number of people moving into an
area (immigrants) and the number of people leaving the area (emigrants).
Positive net migration adds to population growth.

Population growth is usually classified into two main types:

a) Natural Increase: This is the difference between the birth rate and the death
rate. When the birth rate is higher than the death rate, natural increase occurs,
leading to population growth.

b) Net Migration Increase: This is the net effect of immigration and emigration.
When more people move into an area than leave it, net migration contributes to
population growth.
IMPACT OF POPULATION GROWTH
• Population growth has significant impacts on various aspects of society, the
environment, and the economy.
• The effects can be both positive and negative, depending on factors like the rate
of growth, the distribution of resources, technological advancements, and
government policies.

Here are some of the key impacts of population growth:

1. Environmental Impact:

a. Resource Depletion: Rapid population growth can lead to overconsumption of

resources such as water, land, fossil fuels, and minerals, causing their depletion
and potentially triggering environmental degradation.

b. Deforestation: As populations expand, there is often increased demand for

agricultural land and infrastructure, leading to deforestation and loss of
biodiversity.

c. Pollution: More people mean more waste production and pollution. Increased
industrial activity and transportation contribute to air and water pollution, affecting
both human health and ecosystems.

d. Climate Change: Larger populations contribute to higher greenhouse gas

emissions, intensifying the global issue of climate change.
IMPACT OF POPULATION GROWTH
2. Social and Economic Impact:

a. Strain on Infrastructure: Rapid population growth can strain existing

infrastructure like transportation, healthcare, education, and housing, potentially
leading to inadequate services and lower quality of life.

b. Employment: A growing population can create both opportunities and challenges

in the job market. If job creation doesn't keep up with population growth,
unemployment rates may rise.

c. Income Inequality: Population growth can exacerbate income inequality,

especially in regions where economic opportunities are limited. Unequal
distribution of resources can lead to social unrest.

d. Healthcare and Education: Meeting the healthcare and educational needs of a

rapidly growing population can be challenging, potentially affecting overall human
development.
IMPACT OF POPULATION GROWTH

3. Urbanization:

a. Urban Growth: Population growth often leads to increased urbanization, with

more people moving from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities.
This can strain urban infrastructure and services.

b. Slums and Informal Settlements: Rapid urbanization can lead to the growth of
slums and informal settlements, where living conditions are often poor, and
access to basic services is limited.

4. Food Security:

a. Agricultural Pressure: As the population grows, there's a higher demand for

food production. This can lead to intensified agriculture, potentially resulting in
overuse of fertilizers, loss of arable land, and challenges in maintaining
sustainable farming practices.
IMPACT OF POPULATION GROWTH

5. Technological Innovation:

Innovation and Solutions: Population growth can drive the need for technological
innovation to address challenges in areas like energy, food production, healthcare,
and more.

6. Cultural and Social Dynamics:

Cultural Changes: Population growth can lead to shifts in cultural norms, values,
and traditions as societies adapt to changing demographics and urbanization.
IMPACT OF POPULATION GROWTH

7. Aging Population:

Demographic Imbalance: In some regions, population growth may be slowing,

leading to an aging population. This can pose challenges in terms of healthcare,
retirement, and social support systems.

In general, the impacts of population growth are complex and intertwined.

Government policies, technological advancements, and individual behaviors play
crucial roles in shaping how these impacts unfold.

Sustainable development practices that balance economic growth, social well-being,

and environmental stewardship are essential for managing the effects of population
growth in a positive and constructive manner.
POPULATION SUBSISTENCE

Population subsistence refers to the ability of a population to meet its basic needs for
survival, including food, water, shelter, and other essential resources.

In ecological terms, population subsistence is closely linked to the carrying capacity

of an environment. The carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a
species that a particular environment can support sustainably.

If a population surpasses the carrying capacity of its environment, it can lead to

resource depletion, environmental degradation, and a decline in the overall well-
being of the population.

Sustainable population subsistence involves finding a balance between population

size and resource availability to ensure that the needs of the current and future
generations can be met without depleting resources beyond their regenerative
capacity.

Achieving this balance often requires thoughtful resource management,

technological innovation, and consideration of social, economic, and environmental
factors.
POPULATION SUBSISTENCE

Population subsistence is also studied in anthropology and sociology to understand

how human populations historically and presently manage their resources to sustain
themselves. This involves examining various factors, including:

1. Resource Availability: The abundance and distribution of natural resources, such

as food sources, water, and suitable land for agriculture or settlement, play a crucial
role in determining a population's subsistence level.

2. Technological Innovation: The development of tools, agricultural techniques,

and technologies can significantly impact a population's ability to extract resources
from the environment and improve their subsistence.

3. Social and Cultural Factors: Social organization, cultural practices, and

knowledge transmission influence how resources are allocated and managed within
a population. Cooperation and sharing mechanisms can contribute to subsistence
strategies.
POPULATION SUBSISTENCE

4. Environmental Factors: Natural events like climate change, natural disasters,

and seasonal variations can affect the availability of resources and impact a
population's subsistence.

5. Economic Systems: The economic activities and systems within a population,

such as hunting and gathering, agriculture, pastoralism, or industrial production,
determine how resources are acquired and distributed.

6. Population Growth: The rate of population growth relative to the available

resources can influence whether a population is able to achieve subsistence. Rapid
population growth without corresponding resource growth can lead to shortages.

7. Trade and Exchange: Populations can also achieve subsistence through trade
and exchange with other populations, obtaining resources that may be lacking in
their immediate environment.

8. External Factors: Global factors such as international trade, aid, and geopolitical
influences can impact a population's subsistence by affecting resource availability
and economic conditions.
 MIGRATION

Migration refers to the movement of individuals or groups from one place to another,
often involving a change in their permanent or semi-permanent residence.

Migration can occur for a variety of reasons, including economic, social, political,
environmental, and personal factors.

It has been a fundamental aspect of human history and continues to shape societies
and cultures around the world.

Migration is often influenced by a combination of "push" and "pull" factors.

These factors help explain why individuals or groups decide to leave their place of
origin (push factors) and why they are attracted to a particular destination (pull
factors). Here are some examples of push and pull factors for migration:
 MIGRATION
Push Factors:

a. Economic Hardship: Lack of job opportunities, low wages, poverty, and limited
economic prospects can push people to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

b. Conflict and Violence: War, political instability, and violence in the home
country can create a dangerous environment that compels people to flee for
safety.

c. Persecution and Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, religion,

ethnicity, or other factors can lead to persecution, forcing individuals to seek
refuge in other countries.

d. Environmental Factors: Natural disasters, climate change, and environmental

degradation can make areas uninhabitable, leading people to migrate in search
of safer and more stable environments.
 MIGRATION
Push Factors:

e) Lack of Basic Services: Inadequate access to healthcare, education, clean

water, and other essential services can prompt migration to places with better
infrastructure.

f) Family Reasons: Family dynamics such as marital relationships, family

reunification, or the desire to escape family conflict can be push factors.

g) Limited Opportunities for Growth: Individuals may migrate if they perceive

limited opportunities for personal and professional growth in their home country
 MIGRATION
Pull Factors:

1. Economic Opportunities: Better job prospects, higher wages, and the potential
for economic advancement attract migrants to places with strong economies.

2. Education and Training: Access to quality education and training opportunities

can attract students and skilled professionals to migrate.

3. Political Stability: Countries that offer political stability, security, and respect for
human rights can be attractive destinations for migrants seeking safety and freedom.

4. Better Healthcare: Access to advanced healthcare facilities and services can be

a significant pull factor for migrants.
 MIGRATION
Pull Factors:

5. Cultural and Social Connections: The presence of a migrant's community,

friends, or relatives in a particular destination can create a sense of belonging and
encourage migration.

6. Diverse Lifestyle: The promise of a diverse and multicultural environment can

attract individuals seeking exposure to new cultures and experiences.

7. Favorable Immigration Policies: Countries with welcoming immigration policies,

such as pathways to citizenship or work visas, can attract migrants.

8. Quality of Life: A high standard of living, clean environment, and overall quality of
life can motivate people to migrate.
 MIGRATION
Types of Migration (on global scale)

a) Internal Migration: This involves movement within a country's borders, such as

moving from a rural area to a city in search of better economic opportunities.

b) International Migration: This involves crossing international borders and can be

further categorized into:

✓ Emigration: Leaving one's home country to settle in another.

✓ Immigration: Arriving in a new country to establish residence.
 MIGRATION
Types of Migration (in urban and rural context)

Migration in both urban and rural areas can take various forms based on the reasons
for migration and the characteristics of the origin and destination locations.

Here are the types of migration commonly observed in urban and rural contexts:

1. Urban Migration:

a. Rural to Urban Migration: This is a predominant type of migration where

individuals or families move from rural areas to urban centers in search of better
economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and improved living standards.

b. Urban to Urban Migration: People may migrate from one urban area to another,
often in pursuit of higher-paying jobs, better amenities, or improved quality of life.

c. Rural-Urban Commuting: Some individuals maintain their rural homes while

commuting to urban areas for work. This is common in cases of seasonal or
temporary work.

d. Circulatory Migration: Migrants move between rural and urban areas

periodically, responding to economic opportunities or seasonal work demands.
 MIGRATION
2. Rural Migration:

a. Urban to Rural Migration: While less common, this type of migration involves
people moving from urban areas to rural regions. It might occur due to factors
such as retirement, lifestyle choices, or seeking a simpler life.

b. Counter urbanization: This is a trend where individuals and families move away
from large cities to smaller towns or rural areas, often seeking a quieter and less
hectic lifestyle.

c. Rural to Rural Migration: Migration can also occur between different rural areas
due to factors like changing agricultural prospects, land availability, or family
reasons.
 MIGRATION
Types of Migration Based on Duration:

1.Permanent Migration: Individuals or families move to a new location with the intention of
settling there permanently.

2.Temporary or Seasonal Migration: Migration occurs for a specific period, often tied to
seasonal work or other temporary factors.

3.Circular Migration: Individuals move back and forth between their origin and destination,
often in response to work demands or economic opportunities.
 ASSIGNMENT:

Prepare a presentation in a group of a case study highlighting the

population growth, and its impact (positive and negative), migration
rate in urban and rural areas and the reason