In which stage of demographic transition do birth rates drop below replacement levels?

In the demographic transition model, the stage in which birth rates drop below replacement levels is typically identified as Stage 4. During this phase, a society experiences low birth and death rates, leading to a more stable population size. This stabilization is accompanied by significant changes in societal norms, economic factors, and health care systems, which contribute to lower fertility rates.

In this stage, many developed countries exhibit characteristics such as increased access to education, especially for women, widespread use of contraception, and a shift in family planning perspectives. These factors lead to families opting for fewer children, often resulting in birth rates that fall below the replacement level, which is approximately 2.1 children per woman.

This is a crucial part of the demographic transition model, as it highlights the evolutionary changes that societies undergo from high to low rates of birth and death, ultimately impacting population dynamics in significant ways.