Passage Based Questions: The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society | Sociology Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1

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The rate of natural increase or the growth rate of population refers to the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. When this difference is zero (or, in practice, very small) then we say that the population has ‘stabilised’, or has reached the ‘replacement level’, which is the rate of growth required for new generations to replace the older ones that are dying out.
The fertility rate refers to the number of live births per 1000 women in the child-bearing age group, usually taken to be 15 to 49 years. The total fertility rate refers to the total number of live births that a hypothetical woman would have if she lived through the reproductive age group and had the average number of babies in each segment of this age group as determined by the age-specific fertility rates for that area.
Another way of expressing this is that the total fertility rate is the average number of births to a cohort of women up to the end of the reproductive age period (estimated on the basis of the age-specific rates observed during a given period).

Q1: What do you understand by the term "zero population growth"?
Ans: When the size of the population remains unchanged or stabilizes, it is referred to as the stage of zero population growth.

Q2: How is the fertility rate defined?
Ans: The fertility rate refers to the number of live births per 1000 women in the child-bearing age group.

Passage - 2

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Mass media and communication channels are now bringing images of urban lifestyles and patterns of consumption into rural areas. Consequently, urban norms and standards are becoming well known even in remote villages, creating new desires and aspirations for consumption. Mass transit and mass communication are bridging the gap between rural and urban areas. Even in the past, rural areas were never really beyond the reach of market forces, and today they are being more closely integrated into the consumer market. Considered from an urban point of view, the rapid growth in urbanization shows that the town or city has been acting as a magnet for the rural population.

Q1: Why do urban areas attract the rural population?
Ans: Urban areas act as a magnet for the rural population because those who cannot find work (or sufficient work) in rural areas go to the city in search of employment, where opportunities are more abundant. Additionally, the lifestyle, standards, and norms of urban areas create different aspirations and desires for consumption among the rural population.

Q2: What is helping to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas?
Ans: Mass media and communication channels have brought images of urban lifestyles and consumption patterns to rural areas. Mass transit and mass communication are bridging the gap between rural and urban areas and integrating them into the consumer market.

Passage - 3

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Literacy varies considerably across gender, regions, and social groups. As can be seen from Table 4, the literacy rate for women is 16.3% less than the literacy rate for men. However, female literacy has been rising faster than male literacy, partly because it started from relatively low levels. Female literacy rose by about 10.4 percent between 2001 and 2011, compared to the rise in male literacy of 7.6 percent in the same period. Literacy increased by approximately 8% in total. Male literacy rose about 5%, whereas female literacy rose about 10%. Again, female literacy has been rising faster than male literacy. Literacy rates also vary by social group – historically disadvantaged communities like the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have lower rates of literacy, and rates of female literacy within these groups are even lower. Regional variations are still very wide, with states like Kerala approaching universal literacy, while states like Bihar are lagging far behind.

The inequalities in the literacy rate are especially important because they tend to reproduce inequality across generations. Illiterate parents are at a severe disadvantage in ensuring that their children are well educated, thus perpetuating existing inequalities.

Q1: Why is literacy significant across generations?
Ans: Literacy is significant across generations for promoting equality and progress. Illiterate parents are at a disadvantage in ensuring that their children receive a good education, which perpetuates existing inequalities. As compared to educated parents, who can ensure their children attend schools, colleges, and universities, illiterate parents may fail to provide similar opportunities, leading to the reproduction of inequality across generations.

Q2: Name four states with low literacy levels.
Ans: Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.

Passage - 4

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Demographers and sociologists have offered several reasons for the decline in the sex ratio in India. The main health factor that affects women differently from men is childbearing. However, maternal mortality is supposed to decline with development, as levels of nutrition, general education and awareness, as well as the availability of medical and communication facilities, improve. Indeed, maternal mortality rates have been coming down in India even though they remain high by international standards. So, it is difficult to see how maternal mortality could have been responsible for the worsening of the sex ratio over time. Combined with the fact that the decline in the child sex ratio has been much steeper than the overall figure, social scientists believe that the cause has to be sought in the differential treatment of girl babies.

Q1: What are two reasons for the decline in the child sex ratio?
Ans: (i) Severe neglect of girl babies in infancy, leading to higher death rates.
(ii) Female infanticide (or the killing of girl babies due to religious or cultural beliefs).

Q2: What device is used to identify the sex of a fetus, and what has been its impact?
Ans: The sonogram, an X-ray-like diagnostic device based on ultrasound technology, is used to identify the sex of a fetus. Its impact has been the identification and selective abortion of female fetuses.

Passage - 5

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Demography studies the trends and processes associated with population including – changes in population size; patterns of births, deaths, and migration; and the structure and composition of the population, such as the relative proportions of women, men and different age groups. There are different varieties of demography, including formal demography which is a largely quantitative field, and social demography which focuses on the social, economic or political aspects of populations. All demographic studies are based on processes of counting or enumeration – such as the census or the survey – which involve the systematic collection of data on the people residing within a specified territory.

Q1: What does demography study, and what are the key aspects it focuses on?
Ans:

• Demography studies population trends, encompassing changes in size, births, deaths, and migration patterns.
• It analyzes the structure and composition of populations, including gender proportions and age groups.

Q2: What are the different varieties of demography mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Formal demography: A quantitative field dealing with statistical aspects of populations.
• Social demography: Focuses on social, economic, or political dimensions of populations.

Q3: What are the fundamental methods used in demographic studies for data collection?
Ans:

• Demographic studies rely on systematic data collection through methods like censuses or surveys.
• These processes involve counting and enumeration of people residing within a specific territory.

Passage - 6

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Two different processes happened to take place at roughly the same time in Europe during the latter half of the eighteenth century – the formation of nation-states as the principal form of political organisation, and the beginnings of the modern science of statistics. The modern state had begun to expand its role and functions. It had, for instance, begun to take an active interest in the development of early forms of public health management, policing and maintenance of law and order, economic policies relating to agriculture and industry, taxation and revenue generation and the governance of cities.

Q1: What significant events occurred in Europe during the latter half of the eighteenth century, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Formation of nation-states became the primary form of political organization.
• The beginnings of the modern science of statistics emerged during this period.

Q2: What were some of the expanding roles and functions of the modern state during this time?
Ans:

• The modern state actively participated in the development of early public health management.
• It took responsibility for policing, maintenance of law and order, and governance of cities.
• The state implemented economic policies related to agriculture and industry, and also managed taxation and revenue generation.

Passage - 7

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The practice of the collection of social statistics by the state is in itself much older, but it acquired its modern form towards the end of the eighteenth century. The American census of 1790 was probably the first modern census, and the practice was soon taken up in Europe as well in the early 1800s. In India, censuses began to be conducted by the British Indian government between 1867–72, and regular ten yearly (or decennial) censuses have been conducted since 1881. Independent India continued the practice, and seven decennial censuses have been conducted since 1951, the most recent being in 2011.

Q1: When did the practice of collecting social statistics by the state in its modern form begin, and what was the first modern census mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• The modern form of collecting social statistics by the state started towards the end of the eighteenth century.
• The American census of 1790 was probably the first modern census.

Q2: When did the British Indian government commence conducting censuses, and has this practice continued in independent India?
Ans:

• The British Indian government started conducting censuses between 1867–72.
• Independent India continued the practice, conducting regular ten-yearly (decennial) censuses since 1951, with the most recent one in 2011.

Passage - 8

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Emile Durkheim’s famous study explaining the variation in suicide rates across different countries was a good example of this. Durkheim argued that the rate of suicide (i.e., number of suicides per 100,000 population) had to be explained by social causes even though each particular instance of suicide may have involved reasons specific to that individual or her/his circumstances. 

Q1: What did Emile Durkheim study regarding suicide rates, and what was his argument about the causes of suicide?
Ans:

• Emile Durkheim studied the variation in suicide rates across different countries.
• He argued that the rate of suicide, measured per 100,000 population, needed to be explained by social causes.
• Durkheim emphasized that even though individual suicides might have specific reasons, the overall pattern had to be understood in a broader social context.

Q2: What was the focus of Durkheim’s explanation regarding suicide rates, and how did he differentiate individual reasons from societal causes?
Ans:

• Durkheim focused on explaining the variation in suicide rates across different countries.
• He differentiated individual reasons, specific to each suicide case, from broader societal causes.
• Durkheim argued that the rate of suicide was a social phenomenon, influenced by larger social factors, rather than just individual circumstances.

Q3: Why did Durkheim assert that social causes were essential in understanding suicide rates, and how did he approach the concept of individual circumstances in his study?
Ans:

• Durkheim believed that social causes were crucial in explaining suicide rates as they provided a broader context beyond individual actions.
• He acknowledged that each suicide might involve specific individual reasons; however, he emphasized the need to analyze these occurrences within a societal framework.
• Durkheim's approach highlighted the importance of understanding collective social factors in comprehending the overall patterns of suicide rates.

Passage - 9

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Malthus’s theory of population growth – outlined in his Essay on Population (1798) – was a rather pessimistic one. He argued that human populations tend to grow at a much faster rate than the rate at which the means of human subsistence (specially food, but also clothing and other agriculture-based products) can grow. Therefore humanity is condemned to live in poverty forever because the growth of agricultural production will always be overtaken by population growth. While population rises in geometric progression (i.e., like 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc.), agricultural production can only grow in arithmetic progression (i.e., like 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.).

Q1: What was the main argument of Malthus’s theory of population growth as outlined in his Essay on Population (1798)?
Ans:

• Malthus argued that human populations grow at a geometric rate (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc.) while the means of subsistence, especially food, can only grow at an arithmetic rate (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc.).
• Due to this disparity, Malthus believed that humanity is destined to live in poverty indefinitely because population growth inevitably outpaces the growth of agricultural production.

Q2: According to Malthus, why did he consider humanity to be condemned to poverty forever in the context of population growth?
Ans:

• Malthus believed that human populations grow exponentially (geometric progression) while the production of food and essential resources increases linearly (arithmetic progression).
• This disparity in growth rates meant that the population would always surpass the available means of subsistence, leading to perpetual poverty as demand for resources would perpetually exceed supply.

Q3: What were the key components of Malthus’s pessimistic view on population growth, and how did he explain the relationship between population growth and agricultural production?
Ans:

• Malthus's pessimistic view stemmed from the observation that human population increases exponentially while the production of food and essential goods only increases linearly.
• He argued that the geometric progression of population growth would inevitably outstrip the arithmetic progression of agricultural production.
• According to Malthus, this imbalance between population and resources would condemn humanity to a perpetual state of poverty, as the ability to sustain a growing population would always fall short.

Passage - 10

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However, the most effective refutation of his theory was provided by the historical experience of European countries. The pattern of population growth began to change in the latter half of nineteenth century, and by the end of the first quarter of the twentieth century these changes were quite dramatic. Birth rates had declined, and outbreaks of epidemic diseases were being controlled. Malthus’s predictions were proved false because both food production and standards of living continued to rise despite the rapid growth of population. 

Q1: How was Malthus’s theory of population growth refuted by the historical experience of European countries?
Ans:

• In the latter half of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, European countries experienced significant changes in population growth patterns.
• Birth rates declined, and efforts to control epidemic diseases were successful.
• Contrary to Malthus's predictions, both food production and standards of living continued to rise despite the rapid growth of population, proving his theory false.

Q2: What were the key developments in European countries that contradicted Malthus’s predictions about population growth and its impact on standards of living?
Ans:

• European countries experienced a decline in birth rates and effectively controlled outbreaks of epidemic diseases.
• Despite a growing population, both food production and standards of living continued to rise during the latter half of the nineteenth century and the first quarter of the twentieth century.
• These developments contradicted Malthus's theory, showcasing that population growth could be managed without leading to the predicted poverty and scarcity of resources.

Q3: How did the changing patterns in European countries challenge Malthus’s theory, specifically in terms of food production, population growth, and living standards?
Ans:

• European countries saw a decline in birth rates and successfully controlled epidemic diseases.
• Despite population growth, both food production and living standards continued to increase.
• These changes challenged Malthus's theory, demonstrating that effective public health measures and advancements in agricultural practices could sustain a growing population without leading to the predicted resource shortages and declining living standards.

Passage - 11

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The third (and last) stage is also one of low growth in a developed society where both death rate and birth rate have been reduced considerably and the difference between them is again small. Between these two stages is a transitional stage of movement from a backward to an advanced stage, and this stage is characterised by very high rates of growth of population. This ‘population explosion’ happens because death rates are brought down relatively quickly through advanced methods of disease control, public health, and better nutrition.

Q1: Describe the third stage in the population growth model mentioned in the passage.
Ans:

• The third stage represents a period of low population growth in a developed society.
• Both death rate and birth rate have significantly decreased, and the difference between them is small.
• This stage signifies a stable and balanced population growth in advanced societies.

Q2: What characterizes the transitional stage between the low growth stage and the advanced stage in the population growth model described in the passage?
Ans:

• The transitional stage marks the shift from a backward to an advanced society.
• It is characterized by very high rates of population growth, often termed as a 'population explosion.'
• During this stage, death rates decrease rapidly due to advanced methods of disease control, improved public health, and better nutrition, leading to a significant increase in population.

Q3: What factors contribute to the 'population explosion' in the transitional stage, according to the passage?
Ans:

• The 'population explosion' in the transitional stage is primarily caused by the rapid decrease in death rates.
• Advanced methods of disease control, improved public health measures, and better nutrition play crucial roles in reducing mortality rates quickly.
• As a result, the population grows significantly during this stage, leading to the transition from high growth rates to a stage of stable and low population growth in developed societies.

Passage - 12

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The rate of natural increase or the growth rate of population refers to the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. When this difference is zero (or, in practice, very small) then we say that the population has ‘stabilised’, or has reached the ‘replacement level’, which is the rate of growth required for new generations to replace the older ones that are dying out. Sometimes, societies can experience a negative growth rate – that is, their fertility levels are below the replacement rate. This is true of many countries and regions in the world today, such as Japan, Russia, Italy and Eastern Europe. 

Q1: What does the rate of natural increase or population growth rate represent?
Ans:

• The rate of natural increase or population growth rate indicates the difference between the birth rate and the death rate in a population.
• When this difference is zero or very small, it signifies that the population has 'stabilized' or reached the 'replacement level,' where new generations are replacing the older ones dying out.

Q2: What does it mean for a population to have 'stabilized' or reached the 'replacement level'?
Ans:

• When a population has 'stabilized' or reached the 'replacement level,' the birth rate equals the death rate, resulting in zero or negligible population growth.
• At this point, new generations are being born at a rate that replaces the older generations that are dying out, maintaining a stable population size.

Q3: Can you provide examples of countries experiencing a negative growth rate, and what does this imply about their fertility levels?
Ans:

• Yes, countries such as Japan, Russia, Italy, and Eastern European nations are currently experiencing a negative growth rate.
• A negative growth rate indicates that the fertility levels in these countries are below the replacement rate. In other words, the number of births is insufficient to replace the population that is dying, leading to a decline in the overall population size.

Passage - 13

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The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of babies before the age of one year per 1000 live births. Likewise, the maternal mortality rate is the number of women who die in childbirth per 1,00,000 live births. High rates of infant and maternal mortality are an unambiguous indicator of backwardness and poverty; development is accompanied by sharp falls in these rates as medical facilities and levels of education, awareness and prosperity increase. One concept which is somewhat complicated is that of life expectancy. This refers to the estimated number of years that an average person is expected to survive. It is calculated on the basis of data on age-specific death rates in a given area over a period of time.

Q1: Define infant mortality rate and its significance in assessing societal development.
Ans:

• The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of babies before the age of one year per 1000 live births.
• High rates of infant mortality are a clear indicator of poverty and underdevelopment. Decreasing infant mortality rates signify improved medical facilities, education, awareness, and prosperity in a society.

Q2: Explain the concept of maternal mortality rate and its implications for societal development.
Ans:

• Maternal mortality rate represents the number of women who die in childbirth per 100,000 live births.
• High maternal mortality rates indicate inadequate healthcare and socio-economic challenges. Reduction in these rates is associated with increased development, better medical facilities, and enhanced education and awareness among women.

Q3: Define life expectancy and how it is calculated. What factors contribute to changes in life expectancy?
Ans:

• Life expectancy is the estimated number of years an average person is expected to survive. It is calculated based on age-specific death rates in a specific area over a period of time.
• Factors contributing to changes in life expectancy include improved healthcare, access to medical treatments, awareness about health, overall living standards, and socio-economic development. As these factors improve, life expectancy tends to increase, reflecting advancements in society.

Passage - 14

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Historically, all over the world it has been found that there are slightly more females than males in most countries. This is despite the fact that, slightly more male babies are born than female ones; nature seems to produce roughly 943 to 952 female babies for every 1000 males. If despite this fact the sex ratio is somewhat in favour of females, this seems to be due to two reasons. First, girl babies appear to have an advantage over boy babies in terms of resistance to disease in infancy. At the other end of the life cycle, women have tended to outlive men in most societies, so that there are more older women than men. The combination of these two factors leads to a sex ratio of roughly 1050 females per 1000 males in most contexts. 

Q1: Despite slightly more male babies being born, why is there a higher number of females than males in most countries?
Ans:

• Nature produces approximately 943 to 952 female babies for every 1000 males.
• The higher number of females in most populations is due to two factors:
• Girl babies tend to have an advantage over boys in terms of resistance to disease during infancy, increasing their survival rates.
• Women tend to outlive men in most societies, leading to a larger population of older women, balancing the overall sex ratio.

Q2: What is the typical sex ratio (females to males) in most contexts, and how is it influenced by factors like disease resistance and life expectancy?
Ans:

• In most contexts, the sex ratio is approximately 1050 females per 1000 males.
• Female babies have an advantage in disease resistance during infancy, which contributes to their higher survival rates.
• Additionally, women tend to live longer than men, leading to a larger number of older women in the population, further increasing the overall number of females.

Q3: Explain the reasons behind the higher number of females in populations, considering both infancy and the later stages of life.
Ans:

• More female babies survive infancy due to their better resistance to diseases, resulting in a slightly higher number of female infants.
• Women generally outlive men in most societies, leading to a larger population of older women.
• The combination of these factors results in a sex ratio of approximately 1050 females per 1000 males in most populations worldwide.

Passage - 15

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The age structure of the population refers to the proportion of persons in different age groups relative to the total population. The age structure changes in response to changes in levels of development and the average life expectancy. Initially, poor medical facilities, prevalence of disease and other factors make for a relatively short life span. Moreover, high infant and maternal mortality rates also have an impact on the age structure. With development, quality of life improves and with it the life expectancy also improves.

Q1: What does the term "age structure of the population" refer to, and how does it change in response to development and average life expectancy?
Ans:

• The age structure of the population indicates the proportion of individuals in different age groups concerning the total population.
• Changes in the age structure occur in response to variations in development levels and average life expectancy within a society.

Q2: How do factors like poor medical facilities, disease prevalence, infant and maternal mortality rates impact the age structure of a population?
Ans:

• Poor medical facilities, disease prevalence, and high rates of infant and maternal mortality contribute to a shorter average life span within a population.
• These factors increase the mortality rates, particularly among infants and mothers, leading to an altered age structure with a higher proportion of younger individuals.

Q3: How does development influence the age structure of a population, and what improvements in quality of life are associated with changes in life expectancy?
Ans:

• Development leads to improved quality of life, including better healthcare, education, and living conditions.
• As development occurs, life expectancy increases, leading to a shift in the age structure with a larger proportion of elderly individuals.
• Higher life expectancy signifies reduced mortality rates, indicating improved overall health and living standards within the population.

Passage - 16

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The dependency ratio is equal to the population below 15 or above 64, divided by population in the 15-64 age group. This is usually expressed as a percentage. A rising dependency ratio is a cause for worry in countries that are facing an ageing population, since it becomes difficult for a relatively smaller proportion of working-age people to carry the burden of providing for a relatively larger proportion of dependents. On the other hand, a falling dependency ratio can be a source of economic growth and prosperity due to the larger proportion of workers relative to non-workers.

Q1: What does the dependency ratio measure, and how is it calculated?
Ans:

• The dependency ratio is calculated by dividing the population below 15 or above 64 by the population in the 15-64 age group.
• It is expressed as a percentage and indicates the proportion of dependents (those not in the working age group) relative to the working-age population (15-64 years old).

Q2: Why is a rising dependency ratio concerning for countries with an ageing population?
Ans:

• A rising dependency ratio means there is a larger proportion of dependents (children and elderly individuals) relative to the working-age population.
• In countries with an ageing population, a higher dependency ratio poses a challenge because a smaller working-age population must support a larger number of dependents, making it difficult to provide for their needs.

Q3: How can a falling dependency ratio contribute to economic growth and prosperity?
Ans:

• A falling dependency ratio indicates a larger proportion of workers relative to non-workers in the population.
• This situation can lead to economic growth and prosperity as there are more people contributing to the workforce and economy, which can support the needs of the dependents while also fueling economic activities and development.

Passage - 17

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India is the second most populous country in the world after China, with a total population of 121 crores (or 1.21 billion) according to the Census of India 2011. As can be seen from Table 1, the growth rate of India’s population has not always been very high. Between 1901–1951 the average annual growth rate did not exceed 1.33%, a modest rate of growth. In fact between 1911 and 1921 there was a negative rate of growth of – 0.03%. This was because of the influenza epidemic during 1918–19 which killed about 12.5 million persons or 5% of the total population of the country (Visaria and Visaria 2003: 191). The growth rate of population substantially increased after independence from British rule going up to 2.2% during 1961-1981. Since then although the annual growth rate has decreased it remains one of the highest in the developing world.

Q1: What is India's position in terms of global population, and what was its total population according to the Census of India 2011?
Ans:

• India is the second most populous country in the world after China.
• According to the Census of India 2011, India's total population was 121 crores (or 1.21 billion).

Q2: How has India's population growth rate changed over the years, and what were some significant periods of growth rate fluctuation?
Ans:

• Between 1901–1951, India's average annual growth rate did not exceed 1.33%, indicating modest growth. There was even a negative growth rate of -0.03% between 1911 and 1921 due to the influenza epidemic in 1918–19, which claimed about 12.5 million lives (5% of the total population).
• After gaining independence from British rule, the population growth rate substantially increased, reaching 2.2% during 1961-1981.
• Although the growth rate has decreased since then, it remains one of the highest among developing countries.

Q3: What factors contributed to the significant increase in India's population growth rate after gaining independence, and how has the growth rate changed since then?
Ans:

• The increase in India's population growth rate after independence can be attributed to factors such as improved healthcare, decreased mortality rates, and better living conditions.
• Since the period of rapid growth (1961-1981), the annual growth rate has decreased. While the rate has declined, it still remains relatively high in comparison to many other developing nations, indicating ongoing challenges and the need for population management strategies.

Passage - 18

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Famines were also a major and recurring source of increased mortality. Famines were caused by high levels of continuing poverty and malnutrition in an agroclimatic environment that was very vulnerable to variations in rainfall. Lack of adequate means of transportation and communication as well as inadequate efforts on the part of the state were some of the factors responsible for famines. However, as scholars like Amartya Sen and others have shown, famines were not necessarily due to fall in foodgrains production; they were also caused by a ‘failure of entitlements’, or the inability of people to buy or otherwise obtain food. 

Q1: What were the major causes of famines in historical contexts, as described in the passage?
Ans:

• Famines were primarily caused by high levels of continuing poverty and malnutrition, particularly in areas vulnerable to variations in rainfall.
• Lack of adequate transportation and communication, along with inadequate state efforts, were contributing factors to the occurrence of famines.

Q2: According to scholars like Amartya Sen, what was the underlying cause of famines besides a decline in foodgrains production?
Ans:

• Scholars like Amartya Sen emphasized that famines were not solely caused by a fall in foodgrains production.
• Famines were also a result of a 'failure of entitlements,' meaning people's inability to buy or obtain food despite the availability of resources, highlighting issues related to access, distribution, and economic disparities.

Q3: What were some of the factors, other than agricultural aspects, that contributed to the occurrence of famines, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Besides agricultural factors, the occurrence of famines was influenced by the lack of adequate transportation and communication networks.
• Additionally, inadequate efforts on the part of the state in addressing issues related to food distribution, poverty, and malnutrition played a crucial role in the recurrence of famines.

Passage - 19

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The bias towards younger age groups in the age structure is believed to be an advantage for India. Like the East Asian economies in the past decade and like Ireland today, India is supposed to be benefitting from a ‘demographic dividend’. This dividend arises from the fact that the current generation of working-age people is a relatively large one, and it has only a relatively small preceding generation of old people to support.

Q1: How does the bias towards younger age groups in India's age structure benefit the country?
Ans:

• The bias towards younger age groups in India's age structure is seen as an advantage, leading to a 'demographic dividend.'
• India, like East Asian economies in the past decade and Ireland today, benefits from this demographic dividend because the current generation of working-age individuals is relatively large. This larger workforce has a relatively small preceding generation of old people to support economically.

Q2: What is the concept of a 'demographic dividend,' and how does it relate to India's population structure?
Ans:

• The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that arises when a country has a large working-age population relative to the dependent younger and older age groups.
• India benefits from this demographic dividend as it has a significant proportion of working-age individuals compared to the elderly population. This situation can potentially fuel economic growth and development.

Q3: How does the concept of a 'demographic dividend' compare India to other economies like those in East Asia and Ireland?
Ans:

• India, similar to East Asian economies in the past and Ireland in the present, benefits from a demographic dividend.
• These economies have a larger workforce in the working-age group compared to the elderly population, creating favorable conditions for economic growth. 
• This demographic advantage allows these countries to harness the potential of their youthful workforce to drive economic progress.

Passage - 20

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Demographers and sociologists have offered several reasons for the decline in the sex ratio in India. The main health factor that affects women differently from men is childbearing. It is relevant to ask if the fall in the sex ratio may be partly due to the increased risk of death in childbirth that only women face. However, maternal mortality is supposed to decline with development, as levels of nutrition, general education and awareness, as well as, the availability of medical and communication facilities improves. Indeed, maternal mortality rates have been coming down in India even though they remain high by international standards.

Q1: What factors do demographers and sociologists attribute to the decline in the sex ratio in India?
Ans:

• Demographers and sociologists suggest several reasons for the decline in the sex ratio in India.
• One significant health factor affecting women disproportionately is childbirth, leading to an increased risk of death.
• This raises questions about whether the fall in the sex ratio might be partly due to the higher mortality rate faced by women during childbirth.

Q2: How is maternal mortality linked to the decline in the sex ratio, and how is it expected to change with development?
Ans:

• Maternal mortality, a risk specific to women during childbirth, is relevant to the decline in the sex ratio.
• Development is expected to reduce maternal mortality rates due to improvements in nutrition, general education, awareness, and the availability of medical and communication facilities.

Q3: What has been the trend in maternal mortality rates in India, and how does it compare to international standards?
Ans:

• Maternal mortality rates have been decreasing in India, reflecting improvements in healthcare, nutrition, education, and awareness.
• However, these rates remain high by international standards, indicating the need for further advancements in maternal healthcare to ensure the well-being of women during childbirth.

Passage - 21

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The regional pattern of low child sex ratios seems to support this argument. It is striking that the lowest child sex ratios are found in the most prosperous regions of India. According to the Economic Survey for a recent year, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi are having high per capita income and the child sex ratio of these states is still low. So the problem of selective abortions is not due to poverty or ignorance or lack of resources. 

Q1: What does the regional pattern of low child sex ratios in India suggest, and how does it challenge common assumptions?
Ans:

• The regional pattern of low child sex ratios challenges common assumptions about the causes of gender imbalances in India.
• It is striking that the lowest child sex ratios are found in the most prosperous regions of India, such as Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, despite high per capita income.

Q2: Why is the prevalence of selective abortions particularly concerning in prosperous regions, and how does it dispel misconceptions about the reasons behind this issue?
Ans:

• The fact that prosperous regions with high per capita income still exhibit low child sex ratios indicates that the problem of selective abortions is not solely due to poverty, ignorance, or lack of resources.
• Selective abortions, particularly favoring male children, persist in affluent areas, challenging the assumption that economic well-being alone can eradicate this issue.

Q3: What does the regional data reveal about the connection between economic prosperity and child sex ratios, as highlighted in the Economic Survey?
Ans:

• The Economic Survey shows that even in economically prosperous states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi, low child sex ratios persist.
• This data underscores that the problem of selective abortions is complex and cannot be solely attributed to poverty or lack of resources, as it persists in affluent regions with high per capita income.

Passage - 22

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.
Literacy as a prerequisite to education is an instrument of empowerment. The more literate the population the greater the consciousness of career options, as well as participation in the knowledge economy. Further, literacy can lead to health awareness and fuller participation in the cultural and economic well being of the community. Literacy levels have improved considerably after independence, and almost two-thirds of our population is now literate. But improvements in the literacy rate have to struggle to keep up with the rate of growth of the Indian population, which is still quite high. 

Q1: Why is literacy considered an instrument of empowerment, and how does it impact individuals and communities?
Ans:

• Literacy is seen as an instrument of empowerment as it enhances individuals' awareness of career options, encourages participation in the knowledge economy, and promotes health awareness.
• A literate population can actively engage in the cultural and economic well-being of the community, leading to overall societal progress and development.

Q2: How has literacy contributed to the socio-economic development of India, and what are its implications for the population's well-being?
Ans:

• Literacy levels in India have improved significantly after independence, enabling a considerable portion of the population to participate in various sectors of the economy and society.
• Literacy enhances health awareness, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being, and promotes active participation in cultural and economic activities, leading to overall community development.

Q3: What challenges does India face in terms of literacy, despite improvements, and how does population growth impact literacy rates?
Ans:

• Despite improvements, India faces challenges in maintaining a pace of literacy growth that matches the rapid increase in its population.
• The rate of population growth in India is still quite high, making it difficult for improvements in literacy rates to keep up. This challenge underscores the need for continuous efforts to enhance education opportunities to ensure a literate and empowered populace.

Passage - 23

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.
The Family Planning Programme suffered a setback during the years of the National Emergency (1975–76). Normal parliamentary and legal procedures were suspended during this time and special laws and ordinances issued directly by the government (without being passed by Parliament) were in force. During this time the government tried to intensify the effort to bring down the growth rate of population by introducing a coercive programme of mass sterilisation. Here sterilisation refers to medical procedures like vasectomy (for men) and tubectomy (for women) which prevent conception and childbirth. Vast numbers of mostly poor and powerless people were forcibly sterilised and there was massive pressure on lower level government officials (like school teachers or office workers) to bring people for sterilisation in the camps that were organised for this purpose.

Q1: How did the Family Planning Programme in India suffer a setback during the National Emergency (1975–76) period?
Ans:

• During the National Emergency, normal parliamentary and legal procedures were suspended, and the government issued special laws and ordinances directly without parliamentary approval.
• The government intensified efforts to reduce the population growth rate through a coercive mass sterilisation program, involving procedures like vasectomy for men and tubectomy for women.
• Poor and powerless individuals were forcibly sterilised, and lower-level government officials faced immense pressure to bring people, often through coercive means, to sterilisation camps.

Q2: What does sterilisation refer to in the context of the Family Planning Programme, and what methods were employed for men and women?
Ans:

• Sterilisation in the context of the Family Planning Programme refers to medical procedures like vasectomy for men and tubectomy for women, which prevent conception and childbirth.
• Vasectomy is a procedure for men, while tubectomy is a surgical method used for women to achieve sterilisation.

Q3: How were individuals, particularly the poor and powerless, affected by the coercive mass sterilisation program during the National Emergency period?
Ans:

• The coercive mass sterilisation program disproportionately affected mostly poor and powerless people.
• Many of these individuals were forcibly sterilised, and lower-level government officials were under significant pressure to bring people for sterilisation, often resorting to coercive tactics.
• The program led to widespread criticism due to its forceful and non-consensual nature, raising ethical concerns and human rights issues.