Study GuideSociology–Population and Urbanization1. Population and Demographic VariablesFor most of human history, people preferred large families. This was mainly about survival. Highdeath rates from disease, war, and dangerous livingconditions meant that having many childrenincreased the chances that some would survive and carry on the family line.Things changed dramatically in the 20th century. Advances in medicine, technology, and sanitationreduced death rates around the world. As a result, the global population began to grow very quickly—a trend often called thepopulation explosion. Today, the world’s population increases by about90million people every year, with most of this growth occurring in poorer countries. Because of thisrapid growth, sociologists and demographers are deeply concerned about the future effects onresources, living conditions, and the environment.1.1 What Is Demography?Demographycomes from a Greek word meaning “description of people.” It is the scientific study ofhuman populations. Demographers focus on:•Thesizeof populations•Thecompositionof populations (such as age and gender)•Themovementof people from one place to anotherThey also study how populations grow, shrink, or staystable—and what societies do to managepopulation change.Several key demographic variables are especially important:Preview Mode
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