1.

How does demographic transition theory explain population patterns in terms of

technological development?

Based on technological advancement, demographic transition theory explains

population patterns into three stages. In stage 1, described as the pre-industrial

stage, population growth may become either stagnant or may grow at a lower rate.

High birth rate goes together with high death rate resulting to a rough cancellation

effect. High birth rates are countered by high death rates. If death rate equals birth

rate, population growth would be zero. On the other hand when death rates fall

below or lower than birth rate, this results to a bit increase in population growth.

The high birth rate is a result of poor birth control programs. In addition couples

believes that children are great assets as they become partners in their agriculture-

related activities i.e. land preparation, planting and harvesting. On the contrary, high

death rate is a result of poor sanitation and health care programs and services.

In stage 2, according to this theory, the transition from agricultural to industrial

leads to rapid population growth, why? because death rate begins to drop while high

birth rate goes on. The considerable drop in death rate is accounted from improved

sanitation and health and food supply and distribution thereby prolonging the life of

an individual.

In stage 3, as a society reached an advance stage of industrialization, population

growth slows or may even plummet. This happens because low birth rate

compensates low death rate. The low birth rate is brought about by several factors

such as the following: children are no longer considered as asset but a liability. They
 don’t need to work in the farm because farming activities are already mechanized;

couples wants to enjoy their affluence as such they don’t want to spend all their

money and effort on rearing children; women’s attention are diverted to their career

and education, thus reducing interest to family production.

2. What political, economic, religious and other social factors influence population

policy considerations?
Rapid population growth poses a big challenge to every nation as it brings

about several-related problems. Overpopulation exacerbates many social and

environmental factors, including overcrowded living conditions, pollution, and

malnutrition and inadequate or non-existent health care which wreak havoc on the

poor and increase their livelihood of being exposed to infectious diseases.

Catholics and some other religious sects do not favor contraceptives as it

contrary to their beliefs. China’s one-child policy is founded effective for according to

the Chinese government; 400 million births were prevented starting from 1970. It is

also believed that raising living standards and economic status could help control

population growth.

3. Take a closer look on the population of the Philippines ranked 13 among the

countries of the world. What is the implication of the figure to the economy as well as

to other aspects such as ecology?

The Philippines 2018 population is 106,512,074 and ranked 13 among the

countries of the world. However, as of November 2019, the population of the

Philippines is estimated at 108,116,615, based on Worldometers elaboration of

the latest United Nations data. The Philippine population is equivalent to 1.4% of

the total world population and still in rank 13.

The fast growing population of the Philippines is alarming. It poses a great

threat to economic growth. Overpopulation is the root of almost all problems in

the Philippines. It causes unemployment. Existing businesses in the country can

no longer provide jobs to all the workforce. Unemployment creates poverty and

impedes economic growth.

In addition, overpopulation may result in abuse of the country’s natural

resources. This in turn leads to different environmental problems like pollution,

improper waste disposal, poor nutritional status, higher infant mortality, smaller

per capita health and food expenditures, poorer access to preventive and

curative medical care, low schooling expenditures per child and lower

intelligence.
RERERENCE

Abelos, A., Tajolosa, R., Riego de Dios, E., Flores, E., Balaw-ing, D., Olonan, A.,

Asuncion, J.(2018).The Contemporary World: global demography: population,

urbanization, and ecology.Malabon City: Mutya Publishing House.

Worldometers.(2019).Philippines Population. Retrieved from

https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/philippines-population/
W
THE CONTEMPORARY

O Chapter 9
KRISTINE B. SALAGAN
BSMT – 2C

18 November 2019