Question

In the context of culture's pervasive impact, which of the following is true about birthrates?

1) A service economy usually has a higher birthrate than an industrial economy.
2) Government policies and birth control technologies have caused a decline in birthrates.
3) The economic status of a country has minimal impact on the birthrates in that country.
4) Countries that move from agricultural economies to service economies experience increased birthrates.
5) Agricultural economies find it hard to support high birthrates than industrial economies.

Answer 1

Government policies, birth control technologies, increased economic security, and education, primarily for women, have caused birthrates to decline. This demographic shift is part of the broader demographic transition seen as countries develop from agrarian to industrialized economies. Social and economic crises can also reduce birth rates, potentially leading to population decline.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of culture's pervasive impact on birthrates, statement 2) 'Government policies and birth control technologies have caused a decline in birthrates' is accurate. Studies demonstrate that economic security and education, especially for women, lead to a demographic shift where birthrates decline. This is observed as countries develop from agriculture-based economies to industrial and service economies.

As countries move through the stages of economic development, a transition occurs from high birth and death rates in rural agrarian societies to lower birth and death rates in urbanized and industrial nations. This process is known as the demographic transition. Specifically, with greater urbanization, increased standard of living, and better access to education and healthcare, family sizes tend to decrease.

Lastly, social and economic crises can also influence a decrease in birth rates, as seen in countries experiencing high death rates due to external factors, which may lead to a population decline unless countered by immigration.