What does demographic transition theory primarily focus on?

Demographic transition theory primarily addresses the relationship between societal development and changes in birth and death rates over time, which is why the focus is on the society's technology and its effect on these rates. This theory outlines four to five stages of population change based on the transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically and socially.

In the initial stages of demographic transition, both birth and death rates are high, often due to limited medical knowledge and technology, leading to slower population growth. As a society becomes more developed, improvements in health care, sanitation, and nutrition typically lead to a decline in death rates, while birth rates may remain high for some time due to cultural norms and lack of access to family planning. Eventually, as the society continues to develop, there is a decline in birth rates resulting in a stabilized or slowly growing population.

This theory illustrates the interplay between technological advancement, economic growth, and population dynamics, highlighting how societal progress influences demographic behavior. Thus, the emphasis on technology's effects on birth and death rates captures the essence of demographic transition theory effectively.