1. Chapter 5: Population Theories
CGW4U
Chapter 5: Population Theories

2. The Theory of Demographic Transition
Demographic transition is the phenomenon of population changes in a country over time.
Birth rates and death rates are high
Birth rate decline due to increased opportunities for women (i.e. work, delay of children until older, etc.)
Death rate declines due to increased food production and improved medical care
Birth rates and death rates are low

3. Pre-Transition Early Transition Late Transition Post-Transition
What’s Stage 5?? Declining Population, Many Older People, etc.
Think CANADA or Germany now!!

4. Divergent Ideas About Population Growth Optimistic Views
Cornucopians have faith in technological innovations that will produce revolutionary increases in Earth’s carrying capacity.
DJ Bogue described the theory of demographic regulation (over time, a society naturally limits its population).
China’s one-child policy is an example of the theory of demographic regulation

5. Divergent Ideas About Population Growth Pessimistic Views
Malthusian (Thomas Malthus) wrote in 1798 about the danger of increasing population. He surmised that population would grow geometrically (1,2,4,8,16…) while food would increase arithmetically (1,2,3,4,5…) – not sustainable at all.
William Catton introduced the idea of carrying capacity – exceeding the Earth’s carrying capacity leads to environmental damage. Using up non-renewable resources like we have leads to a phantom carrying capacity that, while allowing a higher population, is ultimately unsustainable.

6. Population Projections