Demographic Change and Family life

1. Demographic Change and Family life www.educationforum.co.uk

2. Population • Is rising! 1801 10.5 million, 1901 37 million, 1971 56 million, 2011 62 million • There have been fewer deaths than births in the UK since 1901. Much of the Population growth therefore a ‘natural increase’ – net migration also significant however in the rising population

3. Birth Rate • In long term decline e.g. 1901 there were 1,093000 live births, in 2008 790,000 • Small ‘baby booms’ after both world wars but trend is down • Falling death rate is linked to the falling fertility rate – women are choosing to have fewer children – 3.5 in 1901, 1.9 in 2009 • There has been a very slight rise in the fertility rate of around 0.2 in the last decade linked to immigration and to rising fertility rates in older women

4. Why is the General Trend in Birth and Fertility Rates down? • Gender roles – women’s role in society has changed – expectations of career, greater equality, greater opportunity in education and workplace • Improved contraception has given women greater control of their own fertility • Easier action to abortion due to cultural change and decline of religion. • Marriage is in decline. Cohabitation increasing • More women are in paid employment – childbirth delayed so fewer children per woman

5. Why is Infant Mortality Falling? • IM – is number of children dying before their first birthday per thousand live births per year. • Why? Improved hygiene, medicine, healthcare due to Welfare State

6. A Burden on Your Parents? • In the 19th century children were seen as an economic asset – they could go out and work • However ‘childhood’ extended by legislation, education etc. resulting in young people being economically reliant on parents far longer – a disincentive to have children?

7. Impact of Demographic Change on Society • The ratio between the economically production section of the population and the dependent section changing – fewer of working age and more dependants has triggered proposed changes to pension schemes for instance • Falling fertility rates further change gender roles giving women more opportunity and potential equality in conjugal relationships

8. Changes in Death Rate • Death Rate is falling 1901 18 per thousand, 1976 12 per thousand, 2007 9 per thousand. • Death Rates do vary however by social class – significantly higher for disadvantaged groups

9. Causes of Falling death Rate • Medical advance – infectious disease conquered by vaccination and anti -biotics • Improved nutrition and sanitation, sewerage and water supplies • Improved maternity carte with NHS • Decline in absolute poverty and improved living standards

10. Migration • Immigration now exceeds emigration – asylum seekers, EU economic migrants, illegals

11. Factors Affecting Migration • Laws and border control • Globalisation – national boundaries less important – freedom of movement within trans national organisations e.g.. EU • Transport – rapid cheap safe transport systems • Push and pull factors – ‘push’ reason to leave e.g. persecution. ‘pull’ attraction to move e.g. better job prospects, education systems UK currently a net importer of people