Discuss population composition as it relates to the study of population
What will be an ideal response?
Changes in fertility, mortality, and migration affect the population composition—the biological and social characteristics of a population, including age, sex, race, marital status, education, occupation, income, and size of household. One measure of population composition is the sex ratio—the number of males for every hundred females in a given population. A sex ratio of 100 indicates an equal number of males and females in the population. If the number is greater than 100, there are more males than females; if it is less than 100, there are more females than males.
In the United States, the estimated sex ratio for 2009 was 96.3, which means there were about 97 males per 100 females. Although approximately 124 males are conceived for every 100 females, male fetuses miscarry at a higher rate. For demographers, sex and age are significant population characteristics; they are key indicators of fertility and mortality rates. The age distribution of a population has a direct bearing on the demand for schooling, health, employment, housing, and pensions. The current distribution of a population can be depicted in a population pyramid—a graphic representation of the distribution of a population by sex and age. Population pyramids are a series of bar graphs divided into five-year age cohorts; the left side of the pyramid shows the number or percentage of males in each age bracket; the right side provides the same information for females. The age/sex distribution in the United States and other high-income nations does not have the appearance of a classic pyramid, but rather is more rectangular or barrel-shaped. By contrast, low-income nations such as Mexico and Iran, which have high fertility and mortality rates, do fit the classic population pyramid.
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b. experiment. c. secondary data analysis. d. interview.
How has social networking contributed to the phenomenon of "Generation Me"?
A. Young people today use social networking to develop a strong sense of community with their peers. B. Social networking encourages young people to go out into the world and cause social change. C. Young people choose not to spend much time on these sites and would rather socialize in person. D. The personalized nature of social networking sites causes young people to be very self-focused.
What is the name of the prototypical family form in the United States?
a. Nuclear b. Same-sexed c. Extended d. None of the above
The elderly in the United States have a higher than average suicide rate. What seems to be the most important influence?
A. reduced income B. declining health C. a lack of social relationships D. criminal involvement