The Demographic Effects of Technological Change and Capitalist Transformation - A Re-Interpretation of the Demographic Transition Theory

The paper re-examines the Demographic Transition Model using the experiences of the demographic effects of Technological Change introduced in the Third World. In this context the two phases of technological change - extensive and intensive are analysed with their effects on the demand for labour and the consequent effects on the fertility rate. This is studied using the cases of (i) the UK where the Technological Change has evolved from the extensive phase to the intensive phase influencing the demographic change patterns, and (ii) India where Technological Change has been introduced from the UK and other developed economies when they are at their mature phase of intensive technological change.