Which of the following refers to the situation where a large cohort of women of reproductive age will fuel population growth over the next generation, even if each woman has fewer children than previous generations did?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Population Momentum
Option (1) Demographic Transition — Incorrect. The theory of demographic transition says that population growth is linked to economic development: a society moves from high birth and death rates, through a phase of fast growth when death rates fall first, to low birth and death rates. It describes a long-term pattern, not the effect of one large group of young women.
Option (2) Population Momentum — Correct. When a large cohort of women is of reproductive age, the population keeps growing over the next generation even if each woman has fewer children, because so many women are having children at the same time.
Option (3) Crude Death Rate — Incorrect. The death rate is the number of deaths per 1000 population in a given area and time. It is a measure, not a situation that fuels growth.
Option (4) Crude Birth Rate — Incorrect. The birth rate is the number of live births per 1000 population. It counts births; it does not describe why growth goes on when each woman has fewer children.
NCERT: Indian Society — Chapter 2: The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society (2025-26)
|
