Chapter 2 Sociology

The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society

By Aarish Sir

1. Introduction

• Demography = the scientific study of human population (size, distribution, growth, composition).

• Population studies help us understand social change, development, planning, and policy-making.

• Indian society is deeply influenced by demographic features such as population size, literacy, age structure, rural–urban distribution, and occupational patterns.

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2. Size and Growth of Population in India

• India is the second most populous country in the world after China.

• Population growth in India has been rapid in the last 100 years due to:

  • Decline in death rate (improved medical care, sanitation).

  • Continued high birth rate.

• Population growth phases:

  1. 1901–1921 → Period of stagnation (high mortality, epidemics, famines).

  2. 1921–1951 → Steady growth due to reduced mortality.

  3. 1951 onwards → Population explosion because death rate fell sharply while birth rate remained high.

• Present trends show gradual decline in fertility, but overall population still very large.

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3. Age Structure of Indian Population

• Age distribution is vital for understanding workforce, dependency, and planning.

• India has a young population: majority under 35 years.

• Categories:

  • Children (0–14 years): high proportion indicates burden of dependency.

  • Working Age (15–59 years): largest share → “demographic dividend.”

  • Aged (60+ years): increasing due to higher life expectancy → issues of elderly care.

• Implication:

  • Young population → opportunities for growth if educated & employed.

  • Large dependent population → pressure on resources.

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4. Sex Ratio

• Sex ratio = number of females per 1000 males.

• In India, it has historically been low (adverse) compared to world average.

• Reasons:

  • Son preference, female foeticide, infanticide.

  • Neglect of girl child (nutrition, health).

  • Maternal mortality.

• Regional variation:

  • Kerala has a high sex ratio.

  • Haryana, Punjab have low sex ratios.

• Implications:

  • Gender imbalance affects marriage patterns, family structures, and women’s status.

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5. Literacy

• Literacy = ability to read and write in any language.

• Census definition (India): person aged 7+ who can read and write with understanding.

• India has made progress: literacy rate has risen, but male–female gap remains.

• Rural–urban divide: urban literacy higher due to better facilities.

• Importance of literacy:

  • Increases employment opportunities.

  • Reduces poverty.

  • Promotes social change and empowerment, especially of women.

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6. Rural–Urban Distribution

• India is traditionally an agrarian society, majority living in rural areas.

• Rural areas: dependent on agriculture, low literacy, limited services.

• Urban areas: higher education, healthcare, employment in industry and services.

• Urbanisation trends:

  • Growth of cities due to migration.

  • Expansion of metropolitan cities.

• Problems: slums, overcrowding, unemployment, pollution.

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7. Caste, Class and Occupation

• Traditional Indian society → occupations based on caste.

• Modern society → occupations increasingly linked with education and skills.

• Still, caste influences access to resources and opportunities.

• Agriculture continues to employ large numbers, but there is shift towards services and industry.

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8. Population Policy in India

• Independent India faced the challenge of population explosion.

• Family Planning Programme (1952) → first in the world.

• Later renamed as Family Welfare Programme.

• Measures include:

  • Awareness about small family norm.

  • Contraceptive methods.

  • Incentives for sterilization.

  • Promotion of girl child education.

• Challenges:

  • Cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, gender bias.

• Present trend: fertility declining but population momentum continues.

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9. Demographic Dividend

• India’s young population (largest share in working age) can be an advantage if:

  • Proper education and training are given.

  • Employment opportunities are created.

• If not, it may turn into a liability (unemployment, unrest).

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10. Conclusion

• Demographic features are not just statistics but deeply connected with social development, gender relations, education, and economy.

• Balanced population growth, gender equality, literacy, and proper use of demographic dividend are essential for India’s progress.

✨ Important Topics for Exams

1. Population growth phases in India.

2. Age structure & “Demographic Dividend.”

3. Sex ratio – causes and consequences.

4. Literacy – trends and importance.

5. Rural–urban distribution & migration.

6. Population policy in India.

7. Link between caste, class and occupation.

Q1. What is demography? Why is it important?

Answer:

• Demography is the scientific study of the human population, dealing with its size, distribution, composition, and growth.

• It is important because it:

  • Helps in planning economic and social development.

  • Explains changes in population size and structure.

  • Identifies issues like unemployment, overpopulation, literacy gap.

  • Assists governments in making policies for health, education, employment, and family welfare.

Q2. Discuss the trends of population growth in India since 1901.

Answer:

1. 1901–1921 (Stagnant Growth): High mortality due to famines, epidemics, poor health care.

2. 1921–1951 (Steady Growth): Mortality declined but fertility remained high.

3. 1951 onwards (Population Explosion): Rapid growth due to medical advancement, control of epidemics, but continued high birth rate.

4. Present Situation: Fertility declining, but population momentum continues due to large base of young people.

Q3. What is meant by age structure? Explain India’s age structure.

Answer:

• Age structure = distribution of population across different age groups.

• In India:

  • 0–14 years: High proportion, showing dependency burden.

  • 15–59 years: Largest share, giving “demographic dividend.”

  • 60+ years: Increasing steadily due to rise in life expectancy, leading to need for elderly care.

• Implications:

  • Young population can boost development if educated and employed.

  • Large dependent and ageing population creates social and economic challenges.

Q4. What do you understand by sex ratio? Why is it adverse in India?

Answer:

• Sex ratio = Number of females per 1000 males.

• India’s sex ratio has historically been low (less than 1000).

• Reasons:

  • Preference for sons.

  • Female foeticide and infanticide.

  • Neglect of girl child (nutrition, healthcare).

  • Higher maternal mortality.

• Consequences:

  • Gender imbalance, difficulty in marriage patterns, decline in women’s status.

• Regional trends:

  • Kerala, Puducherry = High sex ratio.

  • Haryana, Punjab = Low sex ratio.

Q5. Explain the trends of literacy in India.

Answer:

• Literacy = Ability to read and write with understanding in any language.

• Census of India: A person aged 7+ years who can read and write is literate.

• Trends:

  • Literacy has improved since independence.

  • Male literacy higher than female literacy → gender gap.

  • Urban literacy higher than rural literacy → rural–urban divide.

• Importance of literacy:

  • Improves employment opportunities.

  • Reduces poverty.

  • Brings social awareness and women empowerment.

Q6. Differentiate between rural and urban distribution of population in India.

Answer:

• Rural Population:

  • Majority of Indians live in villages.

  • Agriculture is main occupation.

  • Lower literacy and poor health facilities.

• Urban Population:

  • Growing rapidly due to industrialisation and migration.

  • More educational, medical, and job opportunities.

  • Also face problems like overcrowding, unemployment, slums, and pollution.

Q7. What is meant by ‘demographic dividend’? How can India benefit from it?

Answer:

• Demographic dividend = Economic benefit arising from a large proportion of young working-age population (15–59 years).

• India’s potential:

  • Largest youth population in the world.

• Benefits possible if:

  • Proper education and skill development.

  • Employment opportunities created.

  • Health facilities improved.

• If not utilized: Young population may turn into a burden → unemployment, poverty, frustration.

Q8. Explain the link between caste, class and occupation in India.

Answer:

• Traditionally, caste determined occupation (e.g., Brahmins = priests, Vaishyas = traders).

• In modern India, class and education influence occupation more than caste.

• Still, caste affects access to opportunities and resources (e.g., reservations for SC/ST/OBC).

• With industrialisation and urbanisation, occupations are diversifying, but social inequalities persist.

Q9. Discuss India’s population policy.

Answer:

• India launched the Family Planning Programme in 1952 (world’s first).

• Later renamed as Family Welfare Programme.

• Measures include:

  • Promotion of small family norm.

  • Use of contraceptives.

  • Awareness campaigns.

  • Incentives for sterilisation.

  • Education of girls and women empowerment.

• Achievements: Fertility rate declining, awareness increasing.

• Challenges: Cultural resistance, gender bias, uneven implementation.

Q10. Write a short note on the importance of demographic studies for Indian society.

Answer:

• Demographic studies reveal the size, structure and distribution of the population.

• Help to:

  • Plan resources and policies.

  • Reduce poverty, unemployment, illiteracy.

  • Ensure women empowerment and gender equality.

  • Utilise demographic dividend.

• Without proper understanding of demography, social and economic planning cannot succeed.

 These are the important questions