Which of the following statements are true for the Theory of 'Demographic Transitions"?

A. Population growth always outstrips growth in production of subsistence resources
B. Population growth is linked to overall levels of economic development
C. Growth rates are low in the first stage because both the death rate and the birth rate are very high
D. The second stage is characterised by very high rates of growth of population
E. The third stage is that of low population growth in an underdeveloped society

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

B, C, D only

The correct answer is Option (3) → B, C, D only

• A. Population growth always outstrips growth in production of subsistence resources (False): This is a concept of Malthusian theory and not the theory of demographic transition.
• B. Population growth is linked to overall levels of economic development (True): The theory proposes that economic development leads to a decline in death rates, followed by a decline in birth rates, ultimately leading to lower population growth.
• C. Growth rates are low in the first stage because both the death rate and the birth rate are very high (True): This is a characteristic of the first stage, where high death rates from diseases and limited resources are offset by high birth rates.
• D. The second stage is characterised by very high rates of growth of population (True): The second stage sees a significant decline in death rates due to factors like improved healthcare and sanitation, while birth rates remain high. This leads to a surge in population growth.
• E. The third stage is that of low population growth in an underdeveloped society (False): The third stage is associated with declining birth rates due to factors like increased education and family planning. Low population growth occurs in developed or developing societies that have gone through this transition.