Topic 1: Population Dynamics
How and why is population changing in different
Key Ideas
The world’s population was increasing
exponentially, but future growth rates are
uncertain
parts of the world?
Content
Study an overview of historic trends in
global population growth since 1800 and
contrasting future projections.
Examine the five stages of the
demographic transition model to help
explain changing population growth
rates and structure.
Population change and structure vary
considerably between countries at different
stages of development
Compare two countries at different levels of
development to show why their population
structure varies, including an assessment
of the impact of economic growth,
demographic factors, migration and conflict.
What you need to understand
 Population growth was increasing
exponentially (doubling) but it is now
slowing down – reasons for this.
 To know that there are different
thoughts about population growth, some
theorists think it will grow more than
others.
 To know reasons why it is difficult to
predict population growth (war, new
medicines, new disease will impact
growth)
 To know what affects population growth
– natural increase (birth rates, death
rates) and migration.
 Be able to sketch the DTM
 To understand reasons for changes in
the DTM i.e. why death rates
decrease/birth rate decrease.
 Be able to describe the population
structures at each stage (stage 2/3 =
youthful population, Stage 5 = ageing
population).
 Be able to describe how 2 countries
have different structures
(youthful/ageing)
 How has economic growth, migration,
conflict and demographic factors (BR,
Investigate different population
structures using population pyramids,
and explore the issues relating to
youthful and ageing populations.



DR, IMR) affected the population
structures.
To be able to understand and read
population pyramids
To understand the problems of a
youthful populations with examples
To understand the problems of ageing /
greying populations with examples
How far can population change and migration be managed sustainably?
Different policies attempt
Assess the reasons why some countries might
to manage change to
wish to manage their populations, including
achieve sustainable levels
pressure on resources, overcrowding, ageing and
of population.
skill shortages.
Evaluate two examples of population policies eg
pro-natalist (Singapore), anti-natalist (China)
and laissez faire (UK)

To understand that governments need
to manage their populations to avoid
problems.

The main way a government deals with
over and under population is to tackle
birth rates.
Understand the problems and benefits
of China’s one-child policy
Understand the problems and benefits
of Singapore’s ‘Have 3 or more’ policy
To know that governments need to
manage migration
Net in-migration – more immigrants than
emigrants. Immigrants may be needed
to work.
To know that if a country is becoming
over-populated a government may limit
migration to reduce pressure on
resources.
To understand the advantages and
disadvantages of UK’s open door policy
To know what migration quotas are
(limited number)
To understand what is meant by a skills
test and why it would be used.
Know that migration can cause tensions
between migrants and host nation
citizens.


Many countries have
policies to control and
manage migration flows.
Understand why different migration policies
develop to either promote or reduce
immigration.



Evaluate different migration policies, including
open-door, quotas and skills tests, and the
tensions that sometimes arise as a result of
these policies.



