Question

It is often argued that population growth is not merely a question of numbers but that of the age composition of population. This is because}

• A. more numbers will inevitably mean more production
• B. more people in the productive age group means net addition to wealth
• C. the nature of public expenditure on services is determined by the composition of the population
• D. None of these

Hint:

Focus on demographic dividend: a higher working-age population boosts economic growth—this is a key exam concept.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Population dynamics are determined not only by total numbers but also by its age composition, which directly influences a country’s economic output. Step 1:Understand population structure.
The population is broadly divided into:

• Young population (dependent group)
• Working-age population (economically productive group)
• Elderly population (dependent group)

Step 2:Link age structure to economic output.
A larger proportion of working-age individuals leads to:

• Higher labour participation
• Increased production of goods and services
• Greater overall economic growth

Step 3:Evaluate the options.

• (A) → Incorrect (total population size alone is not sufficient for productivity)
• (B) → Correct interpretation of economic benefit from productive population
• (C) → Partial effect, not the core explanation
• (D) → Not relevant to the concept

Final Answer: more people in the productive age group means net addition to wealth