Demographic momentum refers to the tendency for                   . a. low population growth rates to continue to decline; b. high population growth rates to continue to increase; c. populations to continue to grow in number even when growth rates reach zero; d. populations to continue to grow in number even when women are reducing the number of children they bear; e. women to continue to have children even though they no longer wish to

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of demographic momentum, which is related to the lag effect between fertility rates and population growth.
2. Analyze the options given and relate them to the definition of demographic momentum, which involves the continued growth of a population.
3. Consider the impact of previous high fertility rates on population growth, even if the current fertility rates have declined.
4. Evaluate which option indicates that the population continues to grow due to previous higher birth rates, despite a current reduction in fertility rates.
5. Select the option that best describes the scenario where the population size keeps increasing because of the population age structure established by earlier higher fertility rates.

Key Concepts

Demographic Momentum

Demographic momentum is the phenomenon where a population continues to grow despite a decline in birth rates or a stabilization of population growth. This occurs because of the existing age structure of the population, where a large proportion of individuals are in their reproductive years, leading to continued births even when the average number of children per woman decreases.

Population Growth Rates

Population growth rates refer to the rate at which the number of individuals in a population increases or decreases over a specific period. This rate is influenced by factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration. Understanding these rates is crucial for analyzing demographic trends and predicting future population changes.

Fertility Transition

Fertility transition is the shift from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as a country develops economically and socially. During this transition, populations may experience demographic momentum, where the effects of previous high fertility rates continue to influence population growth, even as current fertility rates decline.