A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

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Prepare for the A Level Sociology OCR Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with helpful hints and explanations. Ace your exam and enhance your understanding!

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What does a decrease in the percentage of the population under 16 indicate?

A growing youth population
An aging population
Stabilizing birth rates
A higher immigration rate

The correct answer is: An aging population

A decrease in the percentage of the population under 16 signifies an aging population. This indicates that there is a larger proportion of older individuals compared to younger individuals in society. As the birth rate declines over time, fewer children are born, which naturally leads to a decrease in the percentage of those under 16. This shift often reflects broader demographic trends such as increased life expectancy and lower fertility rates, which mean that the median age of the population increases as fewer young people are born. In contrast, the other options do not fit this demographic change as closely. A growing youth population would imply an increase in numbers under 16, stabilizing birth rates would not typically lead to a decrease in this percentage, and a higher immigration rate could lead to an increase in the youth population if those immigrants are younger families or individuals. Therefore, the phenomenon of a decreasing percentage of the population under 16 is best understood within the context of an aging demographic.