age distribution 149
demographic transition 156
demography 148
gross national product (GNP) 153
population density 147 		postwar baby boom 157
replacement fertility 149
standard of living 152
total fertility rate 149 		zero population growth 149

On-line Flashcards
      China has the greatest population, but India is gaining! In October 1999, the world's population reached six billion and the largest contributor to population growth is India. Examine the social, political, and economic factors that are leading to this growth and how it contrasts with China in India's Population Passes 1 Billion.       Speaking of China's population, examine the implications of continued economic growth in the country with the world's greatest population in China Slated to Join the WTO.
      You've read about the demographic transition, now see it in action. Check out the Stages of Population Growth animation for a better understanding of the concept.
Review Questions
  1. What is demography?
  2. What is demographic transition? What is it based upon?
  3. What is a baby boom?
  4. What does age distribution of a population mean?
  5. List 10 differences between your standard of living and that of someone in a less-developed country.
  6. Why do people who live in overpopulated countries use plants as their main source of food?
  7. Although predicting the future is difficult, describe what you think your life will be like in 10 years. Why?

  1. List five changes you might anticipate if world population were to double in the next 50 years.
  2. Which three areas of the world have the highest population growth rate? Which three areas of the world have the lowest standard of living?
  3. How many children per woman would lead to a stable U.S. population?
  4. What role does the status of women play in determining population growth rates?
  5. Describe three reasons why women in the less-developed world might desire more than two children.
Critical Thinking Questions
  1. Do you think it is appropriate for developed countries to persuade less-developed countries to limit their population growth? What would be appropriate and inappropriate interventions, according to your ethics? Now imagine you are a citizen of a less-developed country. What might be your reply to those who live in more-developed countries? Why?
  2. The Chinese government has been very involved in regulating population growth in China. What do you think about this kind of government intervention in China's population problem? What values, beliefs, and perspectives do you hold that lead you to think the way you do?
  3. Population growth causes many environmental problems. Identify some of these problems. What role do you think technology will play in solving these problems? Are you optimistic or pessimistic about these problems being solved through technology? Why?
  4. Do you think that demographic transition will be a viable option for world development? What evidence leads you to your conclusions? What role should the developed countries play in the current demographic transition of developing countries? Why?
  1. The United States Census Bureau projects that by 2050 immigration will account for 50 percent of the population growth in the United States. What values and perspectives should guide our immigration policy? Why?
  2. Imagine a debate between an American and a Sudanese about human population and the scarcity of resources. What perspectives do you think the American might bring to the debate? What perspectives do you think the Sudanese would bring? What might be their points of common ground? On what might they differ?
  3. Many people in developing countries hope to achieve the standard of living of those in the developed world. What might be the effect of this pressure on the environment in developing countries? The political relationship between developing countries and already developed countries? What ethical perspective do you think should guide this changing relationship?
  4. The demographic changes occurring in Mexico have an influence on the United States. What problems does Mexico face regarding its demographics? Should the United States be involved in Mexican population policy?