Changing Populations: Key Terms
A Population Pyramid is a graphical tool used to visualize the age and gender distribution of a population; a wide base indicates a youthful population, while a narrow base suggests an ageing one.
The Dependency Ratio compares the number of people not in the workforce (children under 15 and seniors over 65) to the Working-age Population (typically ages 15–64).
A High Dependency Ratio places significant economic pressure on the working population to fund social services like education, healthcare, and pensions.
Ageing Populations are common in high-income countries where long life expectancy and low birth rates lead to a higher proportion of elderly citizens.
Migration is the movement of people from an origin to a destination, classified as Internal (within a country) or International (across borders).
Push Factors are negative conditions that drive people away from a location (e.g., conflict, poverty, or environmental disasters), while Pull Factors are positive attractions (e.g., better jobs or healthcare).
Economic Migrants move voluntarily for better financial opportunities, whereas Refugees and Asylum Seekers are forced to flee due to fear of persecution or danger.
Remittances are funds sent back by migrants to their home countries, which often provide a vital boost to the local economy but can coincide with a 'brain drain' of skilled workers.
Pro-natalist Policies are designed to increase the birth rate through incentives like financial bonuses, subsidized childcare, or parental leave to counter declining populations.
Anti-natalist Policies aim to reduce birth rates and slow population growth, often through family planning education, increased access to contraception, or legal restrictions.
Migration Management involves tools such as Visa Systems, Work Permits, and Immigration Quotas to control the flow of people and address specific labor shortages.
Distinguish between Rates: Always check if a question asks for 'Natural Increase' (Births - Deaths) or 'Population Growth' (Natural Increase + Net Migration).
Analyze Pyramid Shapes: A 'beehive' or 'column' shape indicates a stable or declining population (Stage 4/5), while a 'true pyramid' with a wide base indicates rapid growth (Stage 2).
Link Factors to Stages: When discussing the DTM, always explain why a rate is changing; for example, death rates fall in Stage 2 because of improved sanitation, not just 'better luck'.
Check Units: Population rates are usually expressed 'per 1,000', while growth rates are often expressed as a 'percentage'. Ensure you convert correctly if required.