Question 1: Define the term 'demography' and explain its importance in studying families.

Answer: Demography is the study of population characteristics such as size, distribution, and changes over time. It is important because it helps us understand trends in family life, fertility, mortality, and migration.

Question 2: Identify three factors that can influence family size in the UK.

Answer: Factors include economic stability, cultural or religious beliefs, access to contraception, and government policies.

Question 3: Describe two ways in which an ageing population can impact families and society.

Answer: An ageing population can increase the number of elderly relatives needing care, leading to more multi-generational households. It can also strain healthcare and social services due to higher demand for elderly care.

Question 4: Explain what is meant by 'fertility rate' and how it affects the demographic makeup of a country.

Answer: Fertility rate is the average number of children born to a woman during her lifetime. A higher fertility rate increases the population size, while a lower rate can lead to population decline.

Question 5: Identify and briefly explain two reasons for the decline in family size in the UK over the past century.

Answer: Reasons include increased access to contraception and family planning, and greater economic independence for women, leading to smaller families.

Question 6: Describe the concept of 'population pyramid' and its relevance to understanding demographic changes.

Answer: A population pyramid is a graphical representation of age and gender distribution within a population. It helps identify trends such as aging populations or youth bulges, which influence family structures.

Question 7: Sketch a simple population pyramid for the UK showing a typical age distribution of an aging society. Label the axes and key features.

Answer: A pyramid with a narrower base indicating fewer young people, and a wider top showing a larger elderly population. The axes are labeled 'Age groups' (vertical) and 'Number of people' (horizontal).

Question 8: Explain how migration can influence family demography in the UK.

Answer: Migration can increase the diversity and size of families, introduce new cultural family practices, and alter population growth rates in the UK.

Question 9: Identify two social policies that have affected family demography in the UK and describe their impact.

Answer: Policies like the Family Allowance and parental leave have supported larger families. Conversely, policies promoting gender equality and contraception have contributed to smaller family sizes.

Question 10: Discuss how technological advances in healthcare have influenced demographic changes in families.

Answer: Advances such as better medical treatments have reduced mortality rates, increased life expectancy, and contributed to an aging population.