The demographic transition theory outlines five stages of population growth related to societal development, from high stationary with balanced birth and death rates to low stationary with low birth and death rates. Historical contexts in the Caribbean serve as examples for each stage, reflecting changes in mortality and fertility influenced by factors such as improved healthcare and education. The theory highlights the implications of population changes on economies, particularly the risks posed by low birth rates in later stages.

1. Demographic
Transitional
Theory
The 5 stages
Group 1 Members:
• David Anderson
• Samantha Walters
• Sheri’ka Brown
• Thandiwe Clarke
• Kavanie Daley

2. Definition
The Demographic Transition Theory posits that the experiences of Britain and
Europe in controlling birth and death rates are a function of their level of
development.
There are 4 stages named;
1. The High Stationary Stage of Population Growth/ High Fluctuating
2. Early Expanding Stage
3. The Late Expanding Stage
4. The Low Stationary Stage/ Low Fluctuating

3. Historical Dates in the
Caribbean
 Stage 1: Early slavery - Early 18th century
 Stage 2: Late 18th century - Emancipation
 Stage 3: Emancipation – 1880
 Stage 4: 1880 – 1921

4. Stage 1: The High Stationary
Stage of Population Growth
– Pre- industrial society, death rates and birth rates were high and roughly in
balance equating to slow rates of population.
– Life expectancy was low primary because of diseases and lack of good
agricultural practices.
– An example of this stage is the United States in the 1880s. All human
populations were believed to have had this balance until the late 18th century,
when it ended in the Western Europe. In fact, growth rates were less than
0.05% at least since the Agricultural revolution over 10,000 years ago.

5. Stage 2: Early Expanding
– In developing countries the death rate drops rapidly due to the improvements
in food supply and sanitation , which increase life spans and reduce diseases.
– Some improvements specifically to food supply includes; Selective breeding,
crop rotation, farming techniques.
– General improvements include; access to technology, basic healthcare and
education.
– For example, numerous improvements in public health reduce mortality ,
especially childhood mortality.

6. Stage 3: The Late Expanding
– In this stage, birth rates fall. Due to various fertility factors such as; access to
contraception, increases in wages, urbanization, increase in the status and
education of women.
– This is where population growth begins to level off . The decline in developing
countries started in the late 18th century in Northern Europe.
– The decrease of population was also caused by the transition in values; not just
because of the availability of contraception.

7. Stage 4:The Low Stationary
– There are both low birth rates and low death rates. Births may drop to well
below replacement level as has happened in some countries.
– This creates an economic burden on the shrinking working population a threat
to many industries that rely on population growth.

8. Bibliography
Mohammed, J. (2014). Sociology for CAPE Examinations. London:
Macmillian Publishers Limited.
Mustapha, N. (2009). Sociology for Caribbean Students.
Kingston: Ian Randle Publishers.