The Demographic Structure MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for The Demographic Structure - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - To identify the sex of the fetus for selective abortion

Key Points

• Misuse of sonogram technology
  • Originally developed to diagnose fetal health conditions, such as abnormalities and genetic disorders.
  • However, it is often misused to determine the sex of the fetus in early pregnancy stages.
  • This has led to a rise in sex-selective abortions, especially targeting female fetuses.
• Gender-biased sex selection
  • Occurs when families prefer male children due to social, cultural, and economic reasons.
  • Use of ultrasound for this purpose is in direct violation of the PCPNDT Act.

Additional Information

• Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994
  • Prohibits the use of prenatal diagnostic techniques for sex determination.
  • Regulates clinics and sonography centers to ensure they do not engage in illegal sex-selective practices.
  • Violations are punishable by imprisonment, fines, and cancellation of medical licenses.
• Impact on Child Sex Ratio
  • Widespread misuse of sonogram technology has contributed to a decline in the child sex ratio in many parts of India.
  • CSR is an important demographic indicator of gender discrimination before birth.
• Government interventions
  • Campaigns like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao aim to address both social and medical aspects of the issue.
  • Monitoring and strict regulation of diagnostic centers are emphasized for preventing gender-biased practices.

The correct answer is - Dowry practices

Key Points

• Female infanticide
  • Refers to the deliberate killing of newborn female children due to gender-based discrimination.
  • Practiced in some regions due to social, cultural, and economic preferences for male offspring.
• Sex-selective abortion
  • Involves the termination of a pregnancy based on the anticipated sex of the fetus, commonly targeting females.
  • Enabled by misuse of prenatal diagnostic technologies such as ultrasounds.
• Neglect of girl infants
  • Systematic neglect in terms of nutrition, healthcare, and emotional care, leading to higher mortality rates among girls.
  • This silent form of discrimination significantly affects the survival rate of female children.
• Dowry practices
  • Although a form of gender discrimination, dowry is not a direct cause of the decline in child sex ratio.
  • It may indirectly influence son preference but is not classified as a primary factor in demographic statistics.

Additional Information

• Child Sex Ratio (CSR)
  • Defined as the number of girls per 1000 boys in the 0–6 years age group.
  • A falling CSR indicates gender imbalance at birth and early childhood, often due to discrimination.
  • India’s CSR has been declining over the decades, as shown by Census data.
• Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act
  • Enacted in 1994 to prevent misuse of prenatal sex determination techniques.
  • Regulates use of ultrasound and other diagnostic tools to prohibit sex-selective abortion.
  • Focuses on awareness, monitoring, and legal enforcement.
• Socio-cultural causes of son preference
  • Patrilineal inheritance and economic value attached to sons.
  • Beliefs related to ritual purity, family name, and old-age support.

The correct answer is - Number of females per 1000 males in a given area at a specified time period

Key Points

• Sex Ratio
  • The sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1000 males in a given area at a specified time period.
  • This measure is important for understanding the gender balance within a population.
  • An imbalanced sex ratio can indicate social issues such as gender discrimination, differential mortality rates, and selective gender practices.

Additional Information

• Significance of Sex Ratio
  • Helps to identify gender imbalances within a population.
  • Provides insights into social practices and health outcomes for different genders.
  • Useful for planning and implementing gender-sensitive programs and policies.
• Other Related Measures
  • Child Sex Ratio
    • The number of females per 1000 males in the age group of 0-6 years.
    • An important indicator of societal attitudes towards the girl child.
  • Male to Female Ratio
    • Another way of expressing the sex ratio, but less commonly used.
    • Defined as the number of males per 1000 females.

The correct answer is - Positive checks

Key Points

• Positive Checks
  • According to Thomas Malthus, positive checks are natural mechanisms that increase the death rate.
  • Include factors such as famines, diseases, wars, and other events that reduce the population size.
  • These checks are nature's way of dealing with the imbalance between the food supply and the population growth.

Additional Information

• Malthusian Theory of Population
  • Proposed by Thomas Robert Malthus in his 1798 work "An Essay on the Principle of Population."
  • Argues that population growth tends to outpace the growth of food supply.
  • Identifies two types of checks on population growth:
    • Preventive Checks
      • These are measures that control the birth rate such as moral restraint, delayed marriage, and contraception.
      • They aim to reduce the rate of population growth by lowering the number of births.
    • Positive Checks
      • These checks increase the death rate and include natural disasters, famines, diseases, and wars.
      • They act to reduce the population when it exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment.

The correct answer is - Social Demography

Key Points

• Social Demography
  • Focuses on understanding the wider causes and consequences of social structures and processes on population trends.
  • It examines how factors such as culture, economy, politics, and social norms influence demographic behavior.
  • Helps to understand the interaction between social phenomena and population changes over time.

Additional Information

• Comparison with Other Types of Demography
  • Formal Demography
    • Deals primarily with the measurement and analysis of population processes such as fertility, mortality, and migration using statistical methods.
    • Focuses on quantifiable data without delving deeply into underlying social causes.
  • Arithmetic and Geometric Progression
    • These terms refer to specific types of mathematical sequences, not fields within demography.
      • Arithmetic Progression involves a sequence of numbers in which the difference between consecutive terms is constant.
      • Geometric Progression involves a sequence of numbers where each term after the first is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number.
• Applications of Social Demography
  • Used in policy-making to address demographic challenges such as aging populations, urbanization, and migration.
  • Helps in understanding the impact of social changes on demographic trends and vice versa.

Reclassification of population education: An improved understanding of reclassification as a sociodemographic component of urban growth is important for urban planning and sustainable development. The net effect of reclassification on urban change is the largest when reclassification is assumed to occur at the end, and the smallest when assumed to occur at the beginning, of the decennial census periods. Education is a vital aspect of population change, social development and economic growth for every society. impacting the economic future and social well-being of all individuals. Key Points 

International Conference on Population 1984: ​

• The International Conference on Population, held in August 1984.
• The Conference adopted the Recommendations for the Further Implementation of the World Population Plan of Action
• The United States now considered population a neutral phenomenon for development. 
• Many developing countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan expressed their firm support for family planning and population programs. 
• Many developed countries, including Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom stated their willingness to increase their support for population programs.
• This conference reviewed and endorsed most aspects of the agreements of the 1974 Bucharest Conference but replace the old demographic-loaded concept.

Thus, we conclude that both I and II statements are correct.

The correct answer is - International Statistical Institute

Key Points

• International Statistical Institute
  • The International Statistical Institute (ISI) established the World Fertility Survey Programme.
  • The goal was to collect and analyze data on fertility and family planning across various countries.
  • The ISI is known for its expertise in statistical methodologies and data analysis.
  • The programme helped in understanding demographic trends and improving population policies.

Additional Information

• World Fertility Survey Programme
  • Launched in the 1970s, it was a pioneering effort in demographic research.
  • Collected data from developing and developed countries.
  • Provided insights into fertility patterns, contraceptive use, and reproductive health.
• International Statistical Institute (ISI)
  • Founded in 1885, ISI is one of the oldest international scientific associations.
  • Promotes the understanding and use of statistics in all aspects of society.
  • Organizes international conferences and publishes key research in the field of statistics.

The correct answer is - All of the above

Key Points

• Providing funds for family planning services and infrastructure
  • The government allocates financial resources to ensure that family planning services are accessible and well-equipped.
  • Such services include the availability of contraceptives, healthcare facilities, and trained healthcare professionals.
• Implementing educational programs on reproductive health
  • Educational initiatives aim to raise awareness about reproductive health, family planning methods, and the importance of maintaining a small family size for sustainable development.
  • These programs are often integrated into school curricula and community outreach programs.
• Creating a supportive environment for informed reproductive choices
  • The government promotes a policy framework that supports individuals' rights to make informed decisions regarding reproduction.
  • This includes ensuring access to accurate information and providing a range of contraceptive options.

Additional Information

• National Population Policy
  • India's National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 aims to achieve stable population by 2045.
  • Key objectives include reducing the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to replacement levels and improving the health infrastructure.
• Family Welfare Programs
  • The government runs Family Welfare Programs to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including maternal and child health services.
  • These programs focus on reducing infant mortality rates and improving maternal health.
• Public Awareness Campaigns
  • Initiatives such as the Hum Do Hamare Do campaign encourage families to have two children for a balanced population growth.
  • Campaigns use various media channels to disseminate information about the benefits of family planning.

The correct answer is - S. R. Wayland

Key Points

• S. R. Wayland
  • Introduced the concept of population education.
  • Population education focuses on teaching about the dynamics of population growth, its impact, and the strategies for population control.
  • It aims to create awareness about the socio-economic implications of population trends and the need for sustainable development.

Additional Information

• Population Education
  • It encompasses various topics such as:
    • Demographic trends - Understanding population size, structure, and distribution.
    • Resource management - Relationship between population and resource availability.
    • Family planning - Importance of controlling family size for better quality of life.
  • Programs are often integrated into school curricula to educate young people about the importance of population control.
  • Aims to promote responsible behavior and informed decision-making regarding family size and resource use.
• Importance of Population Education
  • Helps in understanding the impact of population growth on economic development, environment, and quality of life.
  • Encourages the adoption of sustainable practices to ensure balanced growth.
  • Supports government policies on health, education, and social welfare.

The correct answer is - Training centre for the officers recruited

Key Points

• Training centre for the officers recruited
  • The East India Company College, also known as Haileybury, was established as a training institution for officers recruited by the East India Company.
  • It was founded in 1806 and was essential for preparing civil servants for their roles in British India.
  • The college provided education in various subjects, including languages, law, and political economy, which were crucial for administrative roles.

Additional Information

• Thomas Robert Malthus
  • Malthus was a British economist and demographer, best known for his theory on population growth.
  • He was appointed as a professor of history and political economy at the East India Company College in 1805.
  • His work, "An Essay on the Principle of Population," influenced economic thought and public policy.
• Curriculum at Haileybury
  • The curriculum was designed to equip future officers with the knowledge needed for administrative duties in British India.
  • Subjects included classical studies, modern languages, law, and political economy.
  • The rigorous training ensured that the officers were well-prepared for their responsibilities.
• Legacy of Haileybury
  • Although the college closed in 1858, its legacy continued through the officers it trained who played significant roles in the administration of British India.
  • Many of its alumni were influential in shaping the policies and governance of the British Empire.

The correct answer is -11.0%

Key Points

• Decadal Growth Rate
  • The decadal growth rate of population refers to the percentage increase in the population over a period of ten years.
  • It is a crucial demographic indicator to understand population trends and is calculated using the formula:
    • Decadal Growth Rate = [(Population at end of decade - Population at start of decade) / Population at start of decade] * 100
• Historical Context
  • In the year 1931, the decadal growth rate of the population in India was recorded at 11.0%.

Additional Information

• Population Growth Factors
  • Several factors affect population growth rates, including:
    • Birth Rate: The number of live births per 1,000 people in a year.
    • Death Rate: The number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.
    • Immigration and Emigration: The movement of people into (immigration) or out of (emigration) a country.
• Demographic Transition
  • The demographic transition model explains the transformation of countries from having high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates.
    • It consists of four stages: pre-transition, transition, post-transition, and modern era.
    • Understanding these stages helps in analyzing the population growth patterns over different periods.
• Historical Population Data
  • Historical population data provides insights into the socio-economic conditions of the time.
    • For example, the lower growth rates in the early 20th century can be attributed to higher mortality rates due to epidemics, limited healthcare, and lower life expectancy.

Reclassification of population education: An improved understanding of reclassification as a sociodemographic component of urban growth is important for urban planning and sustainable development. The net effect of reclassification on urban change is the largest when reclassification is assumed to occur at the end, and the smallest when assumed to occur at the beginning, of the decennial census periods. Education is a vital aspect of population change, social development and economic growth for every society. impacting the economic future and social well-being of all individuals. Key Points 

International Conference on Population 1984: ​

• The International Conference on Population, held in August 1984.
• The Conference adopted the Recommendations for the Further Implementation of the World Population Plan of Action
• The United States now considered population a neutral phenomenon for development. 
• Many developing countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria and Pakistan expressed their firm support for family planning and population programs. 
• Many developed countries, including Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom stated their willingness to increase their support for population programs.
• This conference reviewed and endorsed most aspects of the agreements of the 1974 Bucharest Conference but replace the old demographic-loaded concept.

Thus, we conclude that both I and II statements are correct.

The correct answer is Emigration.

Key Points 

• India has experienced rapid population increase since gaining its freedom.
• Here are a few potential causes for the population's dramatic increase-
  • Widening Gap between Birth and Death Rates: Birth rate refers to the number of births per 1000 people per year.
    • For the purpose of maintaining population stability, the fertility rate (number of children per couple) depends on the birth rate.
  • Immigration: It is the process through which individuals become permanent residents or citizens of another country.
    • The constant influx of refugees into India has greatly increased the population.
    • In 1947, when India and Pakistan were divided, more than 1 crore refugees fled to India. When China was attacked in 1962, a sizable number of Tibetan refugees fled to India.
    • Similar to this, more than 1 crore Bangladeshi immigrants entered India in 1971, and this issue is still present today. In addition to this, Nepalis continue to arrive continuously.
    • As a result of the Tamil crisis in Sri Lanka, more than 5 lakh Tamil refugees have arrived in India. 
  • Illiteracy and Unawareness.
  • Poverty
• Emigration: Emigration is the act of relocating away from one's native country or place of residence (to permanently leave a country). So it will lead to a decrease in the population of India. Hence option 4) is correct.
  • In contrast, immigration refers to the transfer of individuals from one country to another (to permanently move to a country).
  • A migrant leaves their home nation and moves to their adopted one.
  • Emigration and immigration thus both describe migration, but from the perspectives of various nations.

The correct answer is Kenya. 

 Key Points

• Demographic Transition Model (DTM):
  • DTM is a phenomenon that shows historic trends of two most important demographic characteristics (birth rates and death rates) of a country over the time. 
  • As a country develops economically, the DTM suggests its total population growth rate cycles, a historic shift of high birth rates to high death rates. 
• Stages of DTM: 
  • Five stages of DTM are : fertility, mortality, marriage, migration and social mobility. 
• Countries in different stages of DTM: 
  • Stage 1: Officially, no countries are in Stage 1.
  • Stage 2: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bolivia, Niger, Uganda Yemen, Palestinian Territories etc. 
  • Stage 3: Botswana, Colombia, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates etc. 
  • Stage 4: Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Brazil, most of Europe, Singapore, South Korea, and the U.S.
  • Stage 5: Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Japan, Portugal and Ukraine etc. 

Hence, among the given countries, Kenya is in the third stage of Demographic transition model.

The correct answer is Stage 4. Key Points

• Demographic transition is a model that changes a country's population. It states that the population will eventually stop growing when the country transitions from high birth rates and high death rates to low birth rates and death rates, stabilizing the population.
• In Stage 4 of the Demographic Transition Model (DTM), birth rates and death rates are both low, stabilizing total population growth.

Additional Information

• The demographic transition model was initially proposed in 1929 by demographer Warren Thompson. The model has four stages: pre-industrial, urbanizing/industrializing, mature industrial, and post-industrial.
• Stage 1—High birth and death rates lead to slow population growth.
• Stage 2—The death rate falls but the birth rate remains high, leading to faster population growth.
• Stage 3—The birth rate starts to fall, so population growth starts to slow.

Thus, Stage 4 of the demographic transition is characterized by low birth and death rates and slow population growth