POPULATION COMPOSITION
1. Demographic Characteristics of Population
Sex Composition
- Sex Ratio is Calculated as the number of males per thousand females or vice versa. Reflects gender distribution in a population. Indicates the status of women in a country.
- Gender Discrimination: Regions with gender discrimination may exhibit unfavourable sex ratios. Practices like female foeticide, infanticide, and domestic violence contribute to skewed sex ratios. The lower socio-economic status of women exacerbates gender disparities.
- Biological Advantage vs. Social Disadvantage: Despite biological resilience, females face social disadvantages and discrimination.
Global Patterns of Sex Ratio
- Average Sex Ratio: Globally, the sex ratio averages around 990 females per 1000 males.
- Regional Variations: Developed regions generally exhibit favourable sex ratios, while developing regions may have unfavourable ratios. Asia, including countries like China, India, and Pakistan, tends to have lower sex ratios. Parts of Europe, including Russia, may have a deficit of males due to out-migration.
Age Structure
- Indicator of Population Composition: Age structure indicates the distribution of population across different age groups. Significant proportions in the working-age group indicate economic productivity. Higher proportions of the elderly population necessitate increased healthcare expenditures.
- Age-Sex Pyramid: Illustrates the distribution of males and females across different age cohorts. The shape reflects characteristics of population dynamics.
Population Pyramids
- Expanding Populations are Characterized by triangular-shaped pyramids with a wide base, typical of less developed countries with high birth rates.
- Constant Population are Bell-shaped pyramids tapering towards the top indicating nearly equal birth and death rates, resulting in a stable population.
- Declining Populations are Pyramids with narrow bases and tapered tops signifying low birth and death rates, typical of developed countries with zero or negative population growth.
- AgeingThe Population occurs as the proportion of older individuals increases due to higher life expectancy and declining birth rates, as observed in developed countries.
2. Rural-Urban Composition
Definition and Significance
- Residential Criteria: Population categorized as rural or urban based on residence. Different lifestyles, livelihoods, and social conditions characterize rural and urban areas.
- Variations: Criteria for rural-urban differentiation vary globally. Rural areas predominantly engage in primary activities, while urban areas focus on non-primary activities.
Rural-Urban Sex Composition
- Global Trends: Sex composition varies between rural and urban areas. Western countries often exhibit male dominance in rural areas and female dominance in urban areas. In Asian countries like Nepal and India, the pattern is reversed, with male dominance in urban areas.
- Factors Influencing Sex Composition: In developed countries, mechanization in farming contributes to male dominance in rural areas. Female migration to cities for job opportunities leads to female dominance in urban areas. In Asian countries, male migration contributes to urban male dominance.
Literacy
- Socio-Economic Development Indicator: Literacy rate reflects socio-economic development, educational facilities, and government policies. Correlated with the standard of living and social status of females.
- Economic Development Influence: Literacy is both a cause and consequence of economic development.
Occupational Structure
The working population engaged in various occupations across sectors. Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary activities categorize occupations.
Sector Classification
- Primary activities include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining.
- Secondary activities encompass manufacturing.
- Tertiary activities involve transport, communication, and services.
- Quaternary activities relate to research and development.
Indicator of Economic Development: The proportion of the working population in different sectors indicates a nation's economic development. Developed economies accommodate more workers in secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors, while primitive economies rely heavily on primary activities.
