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Regression

Definition

Regression refers to the process of moving backward or returning to an earlier stage. In demographic terms, regression describes when a country temporarily goes back from Stage Four to Stage Three due to changes in birth rates or death rates.

Analogy

Imagine you are playing a video game and reach Level 10. Suddenly, something happens that causes you to go back to Level 8. This setback represents regression—moving backward from an advanced stage to an earlier one.

Related terms

Demographic Momentum: Demographic momentum refers to the tendency for population growth to continue even after fertility rates have declined due to youthful age structures.

Population Pyramids: Population pyramids are graphical representations that show the age and sex distribution of a population at a specific point in time.

Dependency Ratio: The dependency ratio measures the proportion of non-working individuals (usually young children and elderly) compared to the working-age population within a country.