The demographic transition theory, introduced by Warren S. Thompson and popularized by Frank W. Notestein, describes the changes in birth and death rates associated with economic development, particularly in industrialized societies. It outlines four stages from high birth and death rates to stabilized populations, while also mentioning criticisms regarding its empirical focus, lack of predictive power, and applicability to developing nations. The theory is challenged for not accounting for technological advancements and does not define a clear timeline for transitions between stages.

1. DEMOGRAPHIC
TRANSITION THEORY
Sivasankari.S

2. INTRODUCTION OF DEMOGRAPHIC
TRANSITION
◦ The term demographic transition was coined by Warren S. Thompson (1929) and later popularized by Frank W.
Notestein (1945) to describe a historical process of change that explains trends in births, deaths, and population
growth in today's industrialized societies, particularly European societies.
◦ The demographic transition theory investigate the connection between economic development
and population growth
◦ Changes in the birth rate and death rate as well as the population growth

4. FIRST STAGE
◦ Birth rates and death rate are high
◦ No great population growth
◦ No education or birth control
◦ Lack of hygiene
◦ Large families

5. SECOND STAGE
◦ High brith rates but lower death rates
◦ Health care improves
◦ Less infant die
◦ More transport and medical care
◦ Improved sanitation

6. THIRD STAGE
◦ Birth rates and death rates fall
◦ Better education
◦ Low infant mortality
◦ Birth control

7. FOURTH STAGE
◦ Stable population
◦ There are more deaths then births
◦ Good education and hygiene
◦ Birth control available
◦ Desire for smaller families

8. CRITICISM
◦ Firstly, this theory is merely based upon empirical observations or the experiences of Europe, America, and
Australia.
◦ Secondly, it is neither predictive nor its stages are segmental and inevitable.
◦ Thirdly, the role of man’s technical innovations cannot be underrated, particularly in the field of medicine,
which can arrest the rate of mortality.
◦ Fourthly, neither does it provide a fundamental explanation of the process of fertility decline, nor does it
identify the crucial variables involved in it.
◦ Fifthly, it does not provide a time frame for a country to move from one stage to another.
◦ Finally, it does not hold good for the developing countries of the world, which have recently experienced
unprecedented growth in population due to the drastic decline in death rates.