HST 296 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5.1: Social Capital, Demographic Transition
Document Summary
World moved from a pattern of high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates. This started in western europe and north america despite postwar baby boom. In south asia demographic transition was slower and more uneven. Birth: children born in the 20th century have a far greater chance of living long healthy life. Life expectancy in 1900 was between 40-50 years old. Decline of killer diseases due to higher living standards and better medical technology. Water was a fundamental problem around the world. Provision of clean water and the removal of sewage were considered luxuries during the middle of this century. Lack of water caused dehydration, malnutrition and reduced immunity. Woman gave birth outside their huts and on the ground(around animals) Many babies who survived the first month later died due to lumps and measles. In parts of africa it was often the case that 3-4 out of 10 would die before age 5.
