Question

Which of the following statements accurately defines the crude birth rate?

1. The crude birth rate is defined as the number of live births per 1000 occurring among the population of a given geographical area in a given year.
2. The crude birth rate measures the number of stillbirths per 1000 population in a specific area annually.
3. It represents the total number of births, including live births and stillbirths, per 100 people in a year.
4. The crude birth rate indicates the percentage of new births in a country's total population.

• A. i, iii
• B. ii, iv
• C. i മാത്രം
• D. i, iv

Answer 1

Answer:

C. i മാത്രം

Understanding Crude Birth Rate (CBR)

• The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) is a fundamental demographic indicator that quantifies the number of live births occurring per 1,000 people in a specific geographical area during a given year.

• It is termed "crude" because it provides a general measure and does not account for the age and sex distribution of the population, which can significantly influence birth rates.

• CBR is a simple and widely used measure for assessing the general level of fertility within a population and for making comparisons between different regions or time periods.

Key Characteristics and Distinctions

• Live Births Only: The CBR exclusively counts live births, meaning a complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a product of conception, irrespective of the duration of the pregnancy, which, after such separation, breathes or shows any other evidence of life, such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, whether or not the umbilical cord has been cut or the placenta is attached. Stillbirths are not included.

• Per 1,000 Population: The rate is always expressed as the number of births per 1,000 individuals in the mid-year population.

• Geographical Area and Time: It refers to a specific area (e.g., country, state, district) and a defined period, usually a calendar year.

Relevance for Competitive Exams

Other Important Fertility Measures:

• General Fertility Rate (GFR): This is a more refined measure, calculated as the number of live births per 1,000 women of childbearing age (typically 15-49 years). It provides a better indicator of fertility independent of the age-sex structure of the entire population.

• Age-Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR): Measures the number of live births per 1,000 women in specific age groups (e.g., 20-24, 25-29).

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Represents the average number of children a woman would have over her lifetime if she were to experience the current age-specific fertility rates throughout her childbearing years. TFR is a crucial indicator for understanding population growth trends and is often compared with the replacement level fertility (approximately 2.1 births per woman in most developed countries) needed to maintain a stable population.

Demographic Context:

• Demographic Transition Model: CBR is a key component in the Demographic Transition Model, which describes the historical shift from high birth rates and high death rates to low birth rates and low death rates as a country develops.

• Population Growth: The CBR, along with the Crude Death Rate (CDR) and net migration, determines the overall population growth rate of a region. Natural increase is calculated as CBR - CDR.

Kerala Model Development Connection:

• The Kerala Model of Development is often cited for its achievements in social development indicators, including significantly low birth rates and death rates, high literacy, and better health outcomes, even with lower per capita income compared to other Indian states.

• Kerala achieved a TFR below the replacement level much earlier than many other Indian states, showcasing successful population control measures and improved social indicators, despite not being a highly industrialized state. This demonstrates how social development (education, healthcare access, women's empowerment) can lead to demographic changes like lower birth rates, rather than solely economic growth.