Factors affecting population growth

Agricultural change 

Early in a country's development changes in agriculture occur. Even at intermediate levels, technology improves yields and saves labour. Agricultural changes have been massive over the past 400 years and we can now produce more food than ever before. Many of these agricultural changes even at a low level free up workers from farms for industry and more rapid economic growth. This allows industrialisation which needs a lot of workers, so for a while larger families were benefit. Soon however, technological advances reduced the need for labour, making smaller families more desirable and reducing population growth. 

Urbanisation

Rural to urban migration is common in poorer countries as cities are believed to have greater opportunities. Reasons for migration include more access to medical care and educational services and more reliable food sources. Children's labour is therefore of less value in cities than in rural areas. Highly urbanised societies have lower population growth. 

Emancipation of women 

As economies develop and education improves, opportunities for girls increase alongside those for boys. A larger work force is needed due to this development, so women must participate in more paid work outside the home. Reaching a good standard of living in a household requires two incomes. 

This emancipation of women has had a demographic consequence in that it has delayed child bearing age. Women are much more likely now to go to university and work for a few years before having children. One in five women in the UK today is childless, compared with one in ten in their mother's generation. Another issue for working women is childcare, which can be expensive. 

Education

Education plays a vital role in determining the levels of both birth and death rates in a country, and hence population growth. As levels of educational achievement increase, bring improved standards of living, children become an economic disadvantage. 

Fewer children means parents have more money to spend on each one, giving them better future chances. Increased educational opportunities result in lower rates of population growth. For example, many parents in poorer countries see education as their children's best chance in life.