Fertility Rates & Population Trends in the UK
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Questions and Answers

What is the current average fertility rate in the UK?

  • 2.5 children per woman
  • 2.1 children per woman
  • 1.44 children per woman (correct)
  • 1.85 children per woman
  • What trend has been occurring regarding fertility rates over the past 50 years?

  • Fertility rates have fluctuated without a trend.
  • Fertility rates have remained constant.
  • Fertility rates have steadily increased.
  • Fertility rates have decreased below replacement level. (correct)
  • Which region is noted for having higher fertility rates compared to other parts of the world?

  • Japan
  • North America
  • Sub-Saharan Africa (correct)
  • Europe
  • What phenomenon is indicated by the old age dependency ratio (OADR)?

    <p>The number of elderly people compared to the working-age population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Paul Morland suggest is a consequence of declining birth rates?

    <p>A potential population collapse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organization reports a significant decline in wildlife population over the past 50 years?

    <p>World Wildlife Fund</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What demographic change is highlighted as critical for fiscal revenues and public expenditure?

    <p>Population aging and declining fertility rates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Amy Jankiewicz view the trend of declining fertility rates?

    <p>As a cause for celebration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the Old Age Dependency Ratio (OADR) in the UK in the 1950s?

    <p>Below 20%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many workers are projected to be available for each retiree by the end of the 21st century?

    <p>1.7 workers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    As of today, how many people aged 80 or older are estimated to be in the UK?

    <p>1.5 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which countries are identified as having the worst levels of government debt to GDP due to ageing populations?

    <p>Greece, Italy, and Japan</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What demographic trend is contributing to the UK's population growth?

    <p>Large-scale immigration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of large-scale immigration in the context of developed countries?

    <p>Rise of right-wing political parties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a predicted trend for fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa according to the provided content?

    <p>Move to similarly low rates as India and China</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the fertility rate is true?

    <p>Democratic governments have limited involvement in the fertility rate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    • The average fertility rate in the UK is now 1.44 children per woman, the lowest figure since records began.
    • This is below the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman, meaning there are not enough births to replace the dying population.
    • This below-replacement level fertility rate has been a trend for 50 years in the UK and most other developed countries.
    • The pattern is linked to growing wealth, secularization, women's empowerment, and increasing life expectancy.
    • The UK population is currently about 68.3 million and is expected to reach 78 million by 2050.
    • This growth is driven by immigration, as the UK would be in population decline without it.
    • Sub-Saharan Africa is an exception to the trend with high fertility rates, but even there rates are declining.

    Ageing Population & Its Impacts

    • The UK's population is ageing, with the old age dependency ratio (OADR) rising significantly.
    • This means the number of people of retirement age is growing faster than the number of working-age people, creating a strain on resources.
    • The OADR is expected to be close to 60% by the end of the century, meaning just 1.7 workers per retiree.
    • This aging population strains the NHS due to increased need for healthcare services amongst the elderly.
    • Countries with the most aging populations (Greece, Italy, Japan etc.) experience high levels of government debt to GDP.

    Immigration & Global Dynamics

    • Immigration is a key factor in maintaining the UK's population growth.
    • However, significant immigration raises concerns about the rise of right-wing parties and the potential for unsustainable reliance on foreign born citizens.
    • The developed world's reliance on immigration from developing countries can be considered a form of post-colonial exploitation.
    • It's likely sub-Saharan Africa will experience a drop in fertility rates mirroring those seen in other developed nations.

    Sustainable Population & Policy

    • The text highlights the impact of the Anthropocene epoch on population dynamics and the need for sustainable population.
    • Governments have limited control over fertility rates, either through policies to increase or decrease them.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the current fertility rates and population trends in the UK, highlighting the implications of below-replacement fertility and an ageing population. It discusses factors contributing to these trends, such as economic changes and immigration. Test your knowledge on these critical demographic changes affecting society.

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