The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society

Introduction to Demography

• Definition: Systematic study of the population of a country, area, community, etc.
• Origin: Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'graphene' (describe).

Key Components of Demography

• Changes in population size.
• Patterns of births, deaths, and migration.
• Structure and composition of the population (gender, age groups).

Types of Demography

1. Formal Demography

   • Focus: Statistical analysis (population counts, gender ratios, age distribution).
   • Methodology: Quantitative data.

2. Social Demography

   • Focus: Birth rate, death rate, migration patterns.

Importance of Demography in Sociology

• Vital for understanding social dynamics.
• Emergence linked to the development of sociology and nation-states.
• Influences public health, policy-making, and economic planning.

Malthusian Theory of Population Growth

• Proponent: Sir Thomas Robert Malthus.
• Main Idea: Population growth outpaces agricultural production, leading to poverty.
• Checks on Population Growth:
  • Positive Check: Natural disasters.
  • Preventive Check: Measures like late marriage, contraceptives.

Criticisms of Malthusian Theory

• Economic growth can surpass population growth.
• Historical refutation through European demographic changes.
• Critics argue poverty stems from resource inequality, not population growth.

Theory of Demographic Transition

• Links population growth to economic development.
• Stages:
  1. Primitive (Underdeveloped)
  2. Transition (Developing)
  3. Developed

Common Population Concepts

1. Birth Rate
2. Death Rate
3. Rate of Natural Increase
4. Replacement Level
5. Zero Level
6. Negative Level
7. Population Explosion
8. Fertility Rate
9. Total Fertility Rate
10. Infant Mortality Rate
11. Maternal Mortality Rate
12. Life Expectancy Rate
13. Sex Ratio
14. Age Structure
15. Dependency Ratio
16. Demographic Dividend

Size and Growth of India's Population

• Historically fluctuating due to epidemics and natural disasters.
• Epidemics: Influences by poor sanitation and medical facilities.
• Famine: Results from natural and manmade causes.

The Declining Sex Ratio in India

• Concerns about female infanticide and societal preferences for male children.
• Legal frameworks like the Pre Natal Diagnostic Technique Act aim to address this.

Literacy and Education

• Varies by gender, social group, and region.
• Kerala has the highest literacy rates, while northern states lag behind.

Rural-Urban Differences

• Migration driven by better opportunities in urban areas.
• Mass media influences awareness and migration trends.

Population Policy of India

• 1952 National Family Planning Programme: Aimed to influence population rates.
• Emergency Period (1975-76): Enforced sterilization policies.
• National Family Welfare Programme: Revised approach focusing on voluntary participation.