Question

The average total fertility rate needed for zero population change across the world is a. 1.7 b. 1.9 c. 2.0 d. 2.3 e. 2.5

Short answer

c. 2.0

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question Parameters

This question is a one-step process that does not require complex calculations. It's about recognizing the appropriate global total fertility rate that's needed for steady (zero) population growth. A basic understanding of demographic studies is required, particularly the concept of fertility rates and their implications on population change.

Recall the Fertility Rate for Zero Population Growth

The generally accepted global total fertility rate for zero population growth is considered to be around 2.1 or 2.0, slightly more than 2 due to the mortality rate before reaching the reproductive age. This rate is considered the 'replacement level fertility' which is the total fertility rate at which women give birth to enough children to replace themselves and their partner.

Key concepts

Zero Population Growth

Zero Population Growth (ZPG) is a demographic term where the number of people in a specified population neither grows nor decreases over a period of time. This equilibrium occurs when the number of births plus the number of immigrants is equal to the number of deaths plus the number of emigrants. Understanding ZPG is crucial because it reflects a balance that can have implications for resource management, environmental concerns, and economic planning.

Achieving ZPG often requires a specific Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which is the average number of children a woman would have in her lifetime. The TFR that results in ZPG accounts for the mortality rates of children and young adults who do not reach reproductive age, hence it is slightly higher than the simple replacement rate of one child per parent. To maintain ZPG, it's essential to understand that even small deviations from the replacement level fertility can lead to long-term population growth or decline.

Replacement Level Fertility

Replacement Level Fertility is the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next, without migration. This rate is not simply 2.0, which would theoretically replace the mother and father, but slightly above 2 to compensate for the mortality rates of children and the fact that not all individuals will have children.

It's vital to acknowledge that replacement level fertility is influenced by the society's health conditions, access to healthcare, and the status of women in the childbearing process. Various factors such as infant mortality rates and the mortality rates before reaching reproductive age affect this precise rate. A comprehensive understanding of replacement level fertility is important for policymakers to ensure sustainable population levels and for allocating resources accordingly.

Demographic Studies

Demographic studies encompass the statistical study of populations, analyzing data such as birth rates, death rates, migration patterns, and population composition. These studies are multifaceted and inform a wide range of sectors, including economics, public health, urban planning, and social policy.

Through demographic studies, researchers can interpret and predict population trends which is crucial for planning purposes. For instance, changing fertility rates can forecast potential changes in population size and age structure, which can have profound effects on future labor markets, healthcare needs, and pension systems. Demographics shape policy decisions and help governments and organizations prepare for and manage population changes effectively.