The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age.
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a demographic indicator that represents the average number of children a woman would have during her reproductive years (typically ages 15-49), assuming she experiences the current age-specific fertility rates and survives through her childbearing years. It is a hypothetical measure used to assess fertility patterns in a population independent of the age structure.
❌ Option 1 – Incorrect: This describes the Crude Birth Rate (CBR), which measures births per 1000 population per year, not TFR.
❌ Option 2 – Incorrect: This is imprecise because TFR is specifically calculated for women, not couples, and represents a standardized fertility measure rather than actual lifetime births.
❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: This defines the Rate of Natural Increase (RNI), which indicates population growth, not fertility levels.
📝 Short Notes: Demographic Indicators Related to Fertility
| Indicator | Definition | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fertility Rate (TFR) | Average number of live births per woman during her reproductive years (15-49) | Measures fertility levels; TFR of 2.1 indicates replacement level fertility |
| Crude Birth Rate (CBR) | Number of live births per 1000 population per year | Simple measure of natality; affected by age structure |
| General Fertility Rate (GFR) | Number of live births per 1000 women of childbearing age (15-49) per year | More refined than CBR as it focuses on reproductive age women |
| Rate of Natural Increase (RNI) | Birth rate minus death rate | Indicates population growth rate (excluding migration) |
| Gross Reproduction Rate (GRR) | Average number of daughters a woman would have | Measures female replacement potential |
- India's TFR (2021): Approximately 2.0, below the replacement level of 2.1, indicating declining fertility
- Replacement Level Fertility: TFR of 2.1 is needed to maintain a stable population (accounting for mortality)
- Policy Relevance: TFR helps in formulating population policies and estimating future demographic trends
Question 1 of 1 Demographic Dividend
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