Stage 2 DTM

Definition

Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model (DTM) is characterized by a significant decrease in mortality rates while birth rates remain high, leading to rapid population growth. This stage often coincides with improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition, which contribute to lower death rates, particularly among infants and children. The result is an age structure that shifts towards a younger population, significantly influencing the distribution and density of people in various regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Countries in Stage 2 of the DTM typically experience a population growth rate of 2-3% per year due to the gap between high birth rates and declining death rates.
2. Common examples of countries in Stage 2 include Afghanistan, many sub-Saharan African nations, and some parts of South Asia.
3. The decline in death rates during this stage is primarily due to advancements in medicine, improved sanitation, and access to clean water.
4. This stage often leads to increased demand for resources such as food, education, and healthcare, putting pressure on infrastructure and services.
5. As more children survive into adulthood during Stage 2, societies may see changes in family structure and gender roles as they adapt to larger family sizes.

Review Questions

• How does Stage 2 of the DTM impact the age structure of a population?
  • Stage 2 of the DTM significantly alters the age structure of a population by increasing the proportion of younger individuals. As mortality rates drop while birth rates remain high, there is a surge in the number of children surviving. This results in a youthful population demographic that can put pressure on resources such as education and healthcare systems, creating challenges for societies trying to accommodate a rapidly growing number of young people.
• Discuss the implications of rapid population growth during Stage 2 DTM for economic development.
  • Rapid population growth during Stage 2 can have mixed implications for economic development. On one hand, a larger workforce can boost economic productivity and growth. On the other hand, if resources such as jobs, education, and healthcare do not keep pace with population increases, it can lead to economic strain, increased poverty levels, and potential social unrest. Policymakers must focus on sustainable development strategies to manage these challenges effectively.
• Evaluate how transitioning from Stage 1 to Stage 2 DTM can influence urbanization patterns in developing countries.
  • Transitioning from Stage 1 to Stage 2 DTM often accelerates urbanization patterns as people migrate from rural areas to cities in search of better opportunities and resources. The influx of young individuals seeking jobs can lead to rapid city growth but may also overwhelm urban infrastructure. As cities expand to accommodate these new populations, challenges such as housing shortages, transportation issues, and increased demand for public services emerge. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for planning sustainable urban environments that can support growing populations.

Related terms

Demographic Transition Model:

A theoretical model that describes the transition of a country from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as it develops economically.

Population Explosion:

A rapid increase in population that often occurs during Stage 2 of the DTM due to falling death rates combined with still-high birth rates.

Life Expectancy:

The average period a person is expected to live, which typically increases during Stage 2 due to better healthcare and living conditions.