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Chapter 8: Problem 11

What is meant by population momentum, and what is its cause?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Population momentum refers to the continuation of population growth despite the achievement of replacement-level fertility due to a large proportion of the population being young and in their childbearing years. This is caused by high fertility rates in the past, resulting in a 'youth bulge'.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Population Momentum

Population momentum refers to the tendency for population growth to continue beyond the time that replacement-level fertility has been achieved, due to a 'youth bulge' in their age-sex distribution.
02

Explaining the 'Youth Bulge'

Youth bulge, as a part of population momentum, signifies the current younger generation which is in the power to reproduce. Even if this generation decides to have less number of children, the overall population will increase as per the increased number of births due to the large size of the youth generation itself. This phenomenon refers to the 'demographic inertia or momentum.'
03

Cause of Population Momentum

The cause of population momentum is mainly due to high fertility rates in the past, which results in a large proportion of the population being young and in their reproductive years. Even if fertility rates decrease, these young people would still be having children, leading to a net increase in population.

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