Which statement best describes the population growth rate as countries become industrialized and economically developed?
a. The growth rate decreases temporarily before increasing.
b. The growth rate starts to decrease immediately.
c. The growth rate increases temporarily before slowing down.
d. The growth rate continues at its previous rate.
e. The growth rate accelerates and stays high.
The correct statement is b. The growth rate starts to decrease immediately.
c. The growth rate increases temporarily before slowing down.
To determine the correct answer, we can refer to the general patterns and trends observed in population growth as countries become industrialized and economically developed. It is important to note that the actual population growth rate can vary among countries due to various factors, such as government policies, healthcare systems, and cultural norms. However, there are some commonly observed patterns:
In the early stages of industrialization and economic development, many countries experience a temporary increase in population growth rate. This is primarily due to improvements in healthcare systems, sanitation, and living standards, which lead to a decline in mortality rates. However, birth rates often remain high, resulting in a gap between birth and death rates and an initial increase in population growth rate.
Over time, as countries continue to develop economically and improve living standards, there is usually a decline in birth rates. This decline can be attributed to factors such as increased access to contraception, enhanced education for women, urbanization, and changes in social norms.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option C: The growth rate increases temporarily before slowing down. This option aligns with the observed trend of an initial increase in population growth rate followed by a subsequent decline as countries become more industrialized and economically developed.