Family (DEMOGRAPHY)
General
Some sociologists believe quality of life has improved (due to tech, culture and social change) so life expectancy is increasing, birth rate is decreasing and infant mortality is decreasing. Other sociologists argue there is now increased dependency culture which is a burden on society.
What is birth rate
Number of births per year per 1000.
Trend in birth rate.
Long term decline.
However, 3 baby booms after WW1, WW2 and during 1960s.
Reasons for birth rate decline
- changes in position of women
- fall in infant mortality rate
- children as economic liability (can no longer work and have protection laws)
- child centredness (socially constructed childhood, quality not quantity)
Impact of birth rate decline
- Increased dependency ratio
- The smaller workforce will pay high tax for the elder dependent ratio support
- woman have less children to reduce the 'burden of dependency'
- public services decline (fewer schools, child healthcare)
What is death rate
Number of deaths per 1000 per year
Trends in death rate.
Declining (with exception of fluctuations like WW1 or WW2)
Reasons for death rate decline
- Improved nutrition
- Medical improvements
- Public health improvements (housing, clean water and air)
- Social change (less manual labour, more knowledge)
Reasons for an ageing population
- increased life expectancy
- low infant mortality rate
- declining fertility
Impacts of an ageing population
- strain on public services
- more one-person households
- rising dependency ratio
- ageism
Ageing population - Phillipson (MARX)
The old are no use to capitalism because no longer productive and an economically dependent group, adding to dependency ratio.
Ageing population - Hunt (POSTMODERN)
We can choose identity no matter what age: age no longer determines who we are. The elderly become market for body maintenance and rejuvenation services and goods, such as cosmetic surgery, gym membership and anti-ageing products.
Immigration
Movement into a society
Emigration
Movement out of a society
Reasons for migration
Push factors - unemployment and economic recession.
Pull factors - higher wages and better opportunities.