Question

“The second phase of population growth is referred to as the period of steady growth.” Evaluate the statement with examples.

Hint:

The second phase of population growth was marked by a slow and steady increase, attributed to improved healthcare and sanitation, while birth rates continued to be high.

Answer 1

The second phase of India's population growth, spanning from the 1920s to the early 1950s, is characterized by steady expansion. This period saw a balance between birth and death rates, resulting in a relatively consistent growth rate.

• Decreased Mortality: Advancements in sanitation, hygiene, and rudimentary healthcare led to a decline in death rates. Concurrently, high birth rates persisted, fueling consistent population increases.
• Moderate Growth Pace: In contrast to the rapid surge of the subsequent phase, the second phase exhibited a more measured population increase. The growth rate decelerated, with India's population rising from 238 million in 1901 to approximately 361 million in 1951, indicative of a steady upward trend.
• Illustrative Instances: Early 20th-century improvements in sanitation and medical awareness reduced mortality, while fertility rates remained elevated. This resulted in sustained but not explosive population growth compared to later periods.

Consequently, this era is appropriately termed a period of steady growth, marked by moderate population expansion due to improved health, despite persistent high birth rates.