12 NCERT CBSE Sociology Indian Society Demographic Structure and Trends in Indian Societyr
Theme Analysis
Main ThemeDemographic Structure and Trends in Indian Society
Subject CategorySociology / Demography
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions focus on defining key demographic terms, understanding theories of population growth (Malthusian and Demographic Transition), analyzing India's specific demographic trends (growth, age structure, sex ratio, literacy, rural-urban shifts), and applying concepts like demographic dividend. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, cause-and-effect relationships, and interpretation of societal implications rather than rote memorization of specific numbers from tables, though trends derived from tables are fair game. Difficulty is mixed, covering recall, understanding, and analysis.
What is the systematic study of population known as?
Hint: Think about the origin of the word, 'demos' meaning people.
Answer
Demography is the systematic study of population, derived from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'graphein' (describe).
Explanation
Demography is explicitly defined in the text as the systematic study of population, focusing on changes in size, patterns of births, deaths, migration, and population structure.
Which branch of demography primarily focuses on the social, economic, or political aspects of populations?
Hint: Consider the distinction made between quantitative analysis and wider societal inquiry.
Answer
Social demography focuses on the social, economic, or political aspects of populations.
Explanation
The text distinguishes between formal demography, which is largely quantitative, and social demography (or population studies), which 'enquires into the wider causes and consequences of population structures and change,' focusing on social, economic, or political aspects.
When did regular ten-yearly (decennial) censuses begin to be conducted by the British Indian government?
Hint: The initial period was trial, but a specific year marked the start of regular decennial censuses.
Answer
Regular ten-yearly (decennial) censuses have been conducted in India since 1881.
Explanation
The text states, 'In India, censuses began to be conducted by the British Indian government between 1867–72, and regular ten yearly (or decennial) censuses have been conducted since 1881.'
How did aggregate social statistics contribute to the establishment of sociology as an academic discipline?
Hint: Consider what aggregate data demonstrates about collective behavior versus individual instances.
Answer
Aggregate statistics offered a concrete and strong argument for the existence of social phenomena, which was crucial for sociology.
Explanation
The text explains that aggregate statistics 'offer a concrete and strong argument for the existence of social phenomena,' giving the example of how a death rate is a social phenomenon even if individual deaths have specific reasons. This provided a strong justification for sociology.
According to Thomas Robert Malthus, how do human populations tend to grow?
Hint: Recall the specific mathematical progression Malthus used for population growth.
Answer
Malthus argued that human populations tend to grow in geometric progression (e.g., 2, 4, 8, 16).
Explanation
Malthus's theory states that 'population rises in geometric progression (i.e., like 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc.)'.
Which of the following was NOT a criticism or refutation of Malthus's theory of population growth?
Hint: Malthus's central premise was about the imbalance between population and food supply. Think about what would contradict this.
Answer
Malthus's theory was criticized, but the idea that population growth *always* leads to increased agricultural production is contrary to his core argument and criticisms.
Explanation
Options A, B, and C are all explicitly mentioned as refutations or criticisms of Malthus's theory. Malthus himself argued that agricultural production *could not* keep up with population growth, making option D a statement that contradicts his theory rather than supports a criticism of it.
What did Malthus refer to as 'positive checks' on population growth?
Hint: Consider the natural or involuntary means of population control Malthus described.
Answer
Malthus believed that 'positive checks' to population growth would come in the form of famines and diseases.
Explanation
The text states, 'Malthus believed therefore that ‘positive checks’ to population growth – in the form of famines and diseases – were inevitable because they were nature’s way of dealing with the imbalance between food supply and increasing population.'
In the theory of demographic transition, what characterizes the first stage of population growth?
Hint: Think about traditional, underdeveloped societies and their mortality and fertility patterns.
Answer
The first stage is characterized by low population growth because both the death rate and the birth rate are very high.
Explanation
The text describes the first stage as 'low population growth in a society that is underdeveloped and technologically backward. Growth rates are low because both the death rate and the birth rate are very high, so that the difference between the two (or the net growth rate) is low.'
A society experiencing a rapid 'population explosion' where death rates have fallen quickly due to medical advancements but birth rates remain high, is most likely in which stage of demographic transition?
Hint: Consider the stage where mortality declines before fertility, leading to a significant increase in population.
Answer
This scenario describes the transitional stage, characterized by a 'population explosion' due to diverging birth and death rates.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Between these two stages is a transitional stage of movement from a backward to an advanced stage, and this stage is characterised by very high rates of growth of population. This ‘population explosion’ happens because death rates are brought down relatively quickly through advanced methods of disease control, public health, and better nutrition. However, it takes longer for society to adjust to change and alter its reproductive behaviour...'
How is the birth rate typically expressed in demography?
Hint: Recall the standard denominator used for expressing birth and death rates.
Answer
The birth rate is typically expressed as the number of live births per 1000 population.
Explanation
The text explicitly defines the birth rate as 'the number of live births per 1000 population.'
What does a zero or very small difference between the birth rate and the death rate signify?
Hint: Consider what happens when births and deaths are roughly equal.
Answer
This indicates that the population has 'stabilised' or has reached the 'replacement level'.
Explanation
The text states, 'The rate of natural increase or the growth rate of population refers to the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. When this difference is zero (or, in practice, very small) then we say that the population has ‘stabilised’, or has reached the ‘replacement level’.'
The fertility rate refers to the number of live births per 1000 women in which age group?
Hint: Recall the standard age range for child-bearing women in demographic studies.
Answer
The fertility rate is calculated for women in the child-bearing age group, usually taken to be 15 to 49 years.
Explanation
The text defines the fertility rate as 'the number of live births per 1000 women in the child-bearing age group, usually taken to be 15 to 49 years.'
What do high rates of infant and maternal mortality unambiguously indicate?
Hint: Consider the inverse relationship between these rates and societal development.
Answer
High rates of infant and maternal mortality are an unambiguous indicator of backwardness and poverty.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'High rates of infant and maternal mortality are an unambiguous indicator of backwardness and poverty; development is accompanied by sharp falls in these rates as medical facilities and levels of education, awareness and prosperity increase.'
How is the sex ratio defined in demography?
Hint: Recall the standard way this ratio is expressed, with females as the numerator.
Answer
The sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1000 males in a given area at a specified time period.
Explanation
The text defines, 'The sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1000 males in a given area at a specified time period.'
Despite slightly more male babies being born, why do most societies historically show a sex ratio somewhat in favor of females (around 1050 females per 1000 males)?
Hint: The text provides two specific biological and life-cycle related reasons.
Answer
The advantage of girl babies in disease resistance and women tending to outlive men contribute to a higher sex ratio in favor of females.
Explanation
The text explains two reasons: 'First, girl babies appear to have an advantage over boy babies in terms of resistance to disease in infancy. At the other end of the life cycle, women have tended to outlive men in most societies, so that there are more older women than men.'
What does the 'age structure of the population' refer to?
Hint: Think about how population is distributed across different age categories.
Answer
It refers to the proportion of persons in different age groups relative to the total population.
Explanation
The text defines, 'The age structure of the population refers to the proportion of persons in different age groups relative to the total population.'
What phenomenon occurs when relatively smaller proportions of the population are found in younger age groups and larger proportions in older age groups?
Hint: Consider the shift in the average age of the population.
Answer
This phenomenon is referred to as the ageing of the population.
Explanation
The text explains that with development, 'relatively smaller proportions of the population are found in the younger age groups and larger proportions in the older age groups. This is also referred to as the ageing of the population.'
Which age group is generally defined as the 'working age group' when calculating the dependency ratio?
Hint: Recall the standard age range for economically active individuals.
Answer
The working age group is generally defined as 15 to 64 years.
Explanation
The text states that the dependency ratio compares dependents with the portion that is in the working age group, 'generally defined as 15 to 64 years.'
Why is a rising dependency ratio a cause for concern in countries with an ageing population?
Hint: Think about the economic burden implied by the ratio of non-workers to workers.
Answer
A rising dependency ratio means a smaller working-age population must support a larger number of dependents, which is a concern.
Explanation
The text explains, 'A rising dependency ratio is a cause for worry in countries that are facing an ageing population, since it becomes difficult for a relatively smaller proportion of working-age people to carry the burden of providing for a relatively larger proportion of dependents.'
What is the 'demographic dividend' primarily associated with?
Hint: It's a benefit related to the age composition of a country.
Answer
The demographic dividend refers to the benefit flowing from a changing age structure, specifically a larger proportion of workers relative to non-workers.
Explanation
The text defines the demographic dividend as a 'benefit flowing from the changing age structure' due to 'a larger proportion of workers relative to non-workers' resulting from a falling dependency ratio.
According to the Census of India 2011, what was India's total population?
Hint: Recall the specific figure mentioned for India's population in 2011.
Answer
According to the Census of India 2011, India's total population was 121 crores (or 1.21 billion).
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'India is the second most populous country in the world after China, with a total population of 121 crores (or 1.21 billion) according to the Census of India 2011.'
What was the primary reason for India's negative population growth rate between 1911 and 1921?
Hint: Look for a specific, large-scale health crisis mentioned for that period.
Answer
The negative growth rate between 1911 and 1921 was primarily due to the influenza epidemic during 1918–19.
Explanation
The text states, 'In fact between 1911 and 1921 there was a negative rate of growth of – 0.03%. This was because of the influenza epidemic during 1918–19 which killed about 12.5 million persons or 5% of the total population of the country.'
The impact of the demographic transition phase is clearly seen in India's population trends after which decade, as birth and death rates began to diverge?
Hint: The text specifies a particular decade when the rates started to separate.
Answer
The demographic transition phase in India is visible after the decade of 1921 to 1931, when death rates fell sharply but birth rates only slightly.
Explanation
The text notes, 'The impact of the demographic transition phase is clearly seen in the graph where they begin to diverge from each other after the decade of 1921 to 1931.'
What were the principal reasons for the decline in India's death rate after 1921?
Hint: Think about major causes of mortality in the past and how they were addressed.
Answer
The decline in the death rate after 1921 was primarily due to increased control over famines and epidemic diseases.
Explanation
The text states, 'The principal reasons for the decline in the death rate after 1921 were increased levels of control over famines and epidemic diseases.'
Why has India's birth rate not registered as sharp a fall as the death rate?
Hint: Consider the underlying societal factors that influence birth rates.
Answer
The birth rate's slower decline is attributed to its nature as a sociocultural phenomenon, which changes gradually.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Unlike the death rate, the birth rate has not registered a sharp fall. This is because the birth rate is a sociocultural phenomenon that is relatively slow to change.'
Which of the following Indian states had a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) below the 'replacement level' of 2.1 in 2016?
Hint: Look for the state explicitly mentioned as having a TFR below replacement level.
Answer
Kerala's TFR was below the replacement level, indicating a future population decline.
Explanation
The text states, 'Kerala’s TFR is also below the replacement level, which means that the population is going to decline in future.' Other states listed (Bihar, UP, MP) are mentioned as having very high TFRs.
Based on projected population growth up to 2041, which two states are expected to account for almost half of the additions to the Indian population?
Hint: The text highlights specific states with persistently high birth rates and their future contribution.
Answer
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are projected to account for almost half (50%) of the additions to the Indian population up to 2041.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Furthermore, as per economic survey 2018-19, these two states [Bihar and Uttar Pradesh] will also account for almost half (50%) of the additions to the Indian population up to the year 2041.'
What is a prominent characteristic of India's population age structure?
Hint: Consider the average age of Indians compared to other developed nations.
Answer
India has a very young population, meaning the majority of Indians tend to be young.
Explanation
The text states, 'India has a very young population — that is, the majority of Indians tend to be young, and the average age is also less than that for most other countries.'
According to projections, what is expected to happen to the share of the 0-14 age group in India's total population by 2026?
Hint: Refer to the predicted changes in age composition for the youngest group.
Answer
The 0-14 age group is projected to reduce its share by about 11% (from 34% in 2001 to 23% in 2026).
Explanation
The text states, 'the 0 -14 age group will reduce its share by about 11% (from 34% in 2001 to 23% in 2026)'.
For India to convert its 'demographic dividend' into actual economic growth, what is primarily required?
Hint: The text emphasizes that the 'dividend' is not automatic and requires specific investments.
Answer
The potential of the demographic dividend can only be converted into actual growth if the rise in the working age group is accompanied by increasing levels of education and employment.
Explanation
Box 2.3 explains, 'But this potential can be converted into actual growth only if the rise in the working age group is accompanied by increasing levels of education and employment. If the new entrants to the labour force are not educated then their productivity remains low. If they remain unemployed, then they are unable to earn at all and become dependents rather than earners.'
What has been the overall trend of the sex ratio in India for more than a century?
Hint: The text explicitly states the long-term trend for India's sex ratio.
Answer
India has had a declining sex-ratio for more than a century.
Explanation
The text clearly states, 'However, India has had a declining sex-ratio for more than a century, as is clear from Table 3.'
What specific aspect of the sex ratio has 'really alarmed demographers, policy makers, social activists and concerned citizens' in India?
Hint: The text highlights a particular age-specific sex ratio as a significant concern.
Answer
The drastic fall in the child sex ratio (0–6 years age group) has been a major cause for alarm.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'But what has really alarmed demographers, policy makers, social activists and concerned citizens is the drastic fall in the child sex ratio. Age specific sex ratios began to be computed in 1961. As is shown in Table 3, the sex ratio for the 0 – 6 years age group (known as the juvenile or child sex ratio) has generally been substantially higher than the overall sex ratio for all age groups, but it has been falling very sharply.'
Which of the following is NOT identified as a factor contributing to the decline in the child sex ratio in India?
Hint: The text discusses several causes but also explicitly rules out one common health factor.
Answer
The text dismisses increased maternal mortality rates as a primary cause for the worsening sex ratio over time, especially given that maternal mortality rates have been coming down.
Explanation
The text lists neglect of girl babies, sex-specific abortions, and female infanticide as factors. However, it specifically states, 'However, maternal mortality is supposed to decline with development... So, it is difficult to see how maternal mortality could have been responsible for the worsening of the sex ratio over time.'
What diagnostic device, originally developed for identifying genetic disorders, is often misused to determine and selectively abort female foetuses in India?
Hint: Think about the common medical imaging technique used during pregnancy.
Answer
The sonogram, based on ultra-sound technology, is misused for sex determination and selective abortion.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'The availability of the sonogram (an x-ray like diagnostic device based on ultra-sound technology), originally developed to identify genetic or other disorders in the foetus, are misused to identify and selectively abort female foetuses.'
What is the name of the Indian law that bans the practice of determining the sex of a baby using modern medical techniques?
Hint: Recall the specific legislation aimed at preventing the misuse of diagnostic techniques.
Answer
The law banning sex-determination practices is known as the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act.
Explanation
The text states, 'Known as the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, this law has been in force since 1996, and has been further strengthened in 2003.'
While laws like the PNDT Act are important, what does the text suggest is ultimately more crucial for solving problems like bias against girl children?
Hint: Laws can help, but what deeper societal change is needed?
Answer
The text emphasizes that in the long run, the solution depends more on how social attitudes evolve.
Explanation
The text concludes this section by stating, 'However, in the long run, the solution to problems, like bias against girl children, depends more on how social attitudes evolve, even though laws and rules can also help.'
Literacy is described as a prerequisite to education and an instrument of what?
Hint: Think about the positive societal impact of increased literacy.
Answer
Literacy is described as an instrument of empowerment.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'Literacy as a prerequisite to education is an instrument of empowerment.'
Which statement accurately describes the trend in literacy rates in India since independence?
Hint: Consider the general progress in education and the comparative rates for men and women.
Answer
Literacy levels have improved considerably after independence, and female literacy has been rising faster than male literacy.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Literacy levels have improved considerably after independence... However, female literacy has been rising faster than male literacy, partly because it started from relatively low levels.'
Why are inequalities in the literacy rate considered especially important?
Hint: Think about the long-term, inter-generational consequences of educational disparities.
Answer
Inequalities in literacy are important because they tend to reproduce inequality across generations, as illiterate parents face disadvantages in educating their children.
Explanation
The text states, 'The inequalities in the literacy rate are specially important because they tend to reproduce inequality across generations. Illiterate parents are at a severe disadvantage in ensuring that their children are well educated, thus perpetuating existing inequalities.'
According to the Census of India 2011, what percentage of India's population lived in rural areas?
Hint: Recall the majority population distribution in India from the 2011 census.
Answer
According to the Census of India 2011, 68.8% of the population lived in rural areas.
Explanation
The text states, 'According to Census of India 2011 still more people are living in rural areas but the population of urban areas has increased. Now 68.8% population lives in rural areas while 31.2% people live in urban areas.'
Despite the majority of India's population still living in rural areas, what has been the trend regarding the economic value of agricultural production?
Hint: Consider the shift in economic contribution from agriculture compared to the past.
Answer
The relative economic value of agricultural production has fallen drastically, now contributing only about one-sixth of the GDP.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Agriculture used to be by far the largest contributor to the country, but today it only contributes about one-sixth of the gross domestic product. While the majority of our people live in the rural areas and make their living out of agriculture, the relative economic value of what they produce has fallen drastically.'
What trend is observed regarding the occupations of people living in villages in India?
Hint: Consider the diversification of rural economies mentioned in the text.
Answer
Rural people are increasingly engaged in non-farm rural occupations like transport services, business enterprises, or craft manufacturing.
Explanation
The text states, 'Rural people are increasingly engaged in non-farm rural occupations like transport services, business enterprises or craft manufacturing.'
How has mass media and communication channels influenced rural areas in India?
Hint: Think about the cultural and social influence of media on remote areas.
Answer
Mass media and communication channels are bringing images of urban life styles and consumption patterns into rural areas, making urban norms well known.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Mass media and communication channels are now bringing images of urban life styles and patterns of consumption into the rural areas. Consequently, urban norms and standards are becoming well known even in rural communities.'
Which field of demography is primarily concerned with the measurement and quantitative analysis of population change components, using a highly developed mathematical methodology?
Hint: Distinguish between the two main types of demography based on their focus.
Answer
Formal demography is primarily concerned with quantitative analysis and measurement of population change components.
Explanation
The text states, 'Formal demography is primarily concerned with the measurement and analysis of the components of population change. Its focus is on quantitative analysis for which it has a highly developed mathematical methodology...'
Why did the modern state in Europe, during the latter half of the eighteenth century, begin to require systematic and regular collection of social statistics?
Hint: Consider the new responsibilities the state was taking on at that time.
Answer
The expanding sphere of state activity, including public health, policing, and economic policies, necessitated the systematic collection of social statistics.
Explanation
The text explains, 'This new and constantly expanding sphere of state activity required the systematic and regular collection of social statistics – or quantitative data on various aspects of the population and economy. The modern state had begun to expand its role and functions. It had, for instance, begun to take an active interest in the development of early forms of public health management, policing and maintenance of law and order, economic policies...'
What does 'life expectancy' refer to?
Hint: This concept estimates the duration of life for an average individual.
Answer
Life expectancy refers to the estimated number of years that an average person is expected to survive.
Explanation
The text states, 'One concept which is somewhat complicated is that of life expectancy. This refers to the estimated number of years that an average person is expected to survive.'
How does the Theory of Demographic Transition fundamentally differ from Malthus's theory regarding population growth?
Hint: Consider the role of 'economic development' in each theory's explanation of population change.
Answer
The Demographic Transition theory links population growth to economic development, suggesting a pattern of change, which contrasts with Malthus's more fixed and pessimistic outlook on population outstripping resources.
Explanation
Malthus's theory is pessimistic, arguing population always outstrips subsistence. The Theory of Demographic Transition, however, 'suggests that population growth is linked to overall levels of economic development and that every society follows a typical pattern of development-related population growth,' implying that development can lead to lower growth rates, refuting Malthus's permanent poverty claim.
Regarding India's demographic transition, what is its current status according to the text?
Hint: The text describes India's position relative to the stages of demographic transition.
Answer
India's demographic transition is not yet complete because the mortality rate has been reduced but the birth rate has not been brought down to the same extent.
Explanation
The text states, 'In India too, the demographic transition is not yet complete as the mortality rate has been reduced but the birth rate has not been brought down to the same extent.' This places India in the transitional stage, moving towards the third stage.
The text mentions that the 'advantage offered by a young labour force is not being exploited' in India. What is identified as the core problem preventing this exploitation?
Hint: Look at the specific economic challenge highlighted in Box 2.3 regarding the labor force.
Answer
The core problem identified is a sharp fall in the rate of employment generation, meaning new jobs are not being created fast enough for the growing labor force.
Explanation
Box 2.3 states, 'The problem, however, is employment. Data from the Government of India sources reveal a sharp fall in the rate of employment generation (creation of new jobs) across both rural and urban areas.' This directly links to the unexploited demographic dividend.
According to scholars like Amartya Sen, famines were not necessarily due to a fall in foodgrain production but could also be caused by what?
Hint: Think about the economic and social access to food, not just its availability.
Answer
Amartya Sen and others showed that famines were also caused by a 'failure of entitlements,' meaning people could not buy or otherwise obtain food.
Explanation
The text states, 'However, as scholars like Amartya Sen and others have shown, famines were not necessarily due to fall in foodgrains production; they were also caused by a ‘failure of entitlements’, or the inability of people to buy or otherwise obtain food.'
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