What is a major characteristic of the preindustrial stage of demographic transition?

The preindustrial stage of demographic transition is characterized by both high birth rates and high death rates. This results in a stable population size because the number of births is roughly equal to the number of deaths, preventing significant population growth. In this stage, factors such as limited access to healthcare, high infant mortality rates, and insufficient sanitation contribute to the high death rates. Concurrently, high birth rates are often due to cultural norms favoring larger families and the need for labor, especially in agrarian societies. This balance between birth and death rates defines the demographic stability of the preindustrial stage, making it distinct from later stages where advances in healthcare and changes in societal norms lead to reduced death rates and eventually changes in birth rates.