Study Figure 25.16 and answer the following questions: 1. Pyramids A and B in Figure 25.16 represent data for the United States and Chad. Identify which is which. 2. Identify the type of pyramid each one is. 3. Name two trends shown in pyramid A. 4. Name two trends shown in pyramid B. 5. Which pyramid would you associate with Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model?
The Impact of Fertility Rates on
Population Structure Population structure refers to the composition of the population and includes the numbers in the different age groups, as well as the number of males and females.
Fertility rates in developed countries
In developed countries, total fertility rates tend to be low, and in many cases they fall below replacement level. Factors contributing to this include:
Socio-economic factors zz
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Increasing educational opportunities have resulted in women pursuing careers and delaying marriage and motherhood. The average age for women marrying in Ireland in 1977 was 24; in 2015 it was 33.
Increased percentages of women in the workforce have impacted on family size – this impacts on child care costs.
Greater access to family planning has resulted in reduced family sizes. The cost of rearing children, including education, impacts on family size.
Role of governments zz
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Provision of state pensions ensures economic security in old age, thus reducing the need for large families.
Government incentives to reverse falling fertility rates include allowances, increased maternity leave and the introduction of paternity leave (e.g. France).
