The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society | Class 12 Sociology Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read
The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of The Demographic Structure of the Indian Society from Class 12 Sociology, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
2.3 AGE STRUCTURE OF THE INDIAN POPULATION
The age structure of a population refers to the distribution of people across different age groups. India has a relatively young population compared to many countries, with a large proportion under 15 years of age. Table 2 shows that the share of the 0-14 age group declined from 42% in 1971 to 29% in 2011, while the 15-59 working-age group increased from 53% to 63%, and the 60+ elderly group rose slightly from 5% to 8%. Projections suggest that by 2026, the young population will further reduce to 23%, the working-age group will be 64%, and the elderly will increase to 12%. These changes are visualized in population pyramids (Chart 3) which show a broadening middle age group and narrowing base, reflecting declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy. The 'bulge' in the middle age groups represents the demographic dividend — a potential economic advantage arising from a large working-age population relative to dependents. However, this benefit is not automatic; it requires investment in education and employment opportunities. Regional variations exist: Kerala's age structure resembles developed countries with a higher elderly proportion, while Uttar Pradesh has a younger population with a wider base. The dependency ratio, which compares dependents (children and elderly) to working-age people, is crucial for economic planning. A declining dependency ratio, as seen in India from 79 in 1970 to 64 in 2005, can boost economic growth. However, unemployment and underemployment can negate this advantage by increasing non-working individuals within the working-age group. India's demographic dividend presents a window of opportunity, but challenges like job creation and education must be addressed to realize its benefits.
📊 Diagram: Table on page 14 (9×5); India 1961 and 1981 population pyramids; See table_2, figure_8, figure_9, figure_10, figure_11.
🧪 Activity: Activity 2.3: Discuss how age structure impacts inter-generational relationships and dependency tensions.
🔗 Connection: Understanding age structure helps explain social dynamics such as sex ratio and literacy discussed in subsequent sections.
Table on page 14 (9×5)
| Year | Age Group | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–14 Year | 15–59 Year | 60+ Years | ||
| 1961 | 41 | 53 | 6 | 100 |
| 1971 | 42 | 53 | 5 | 100 |
| 1981 | 40 | 54 | 6 | 100 |
| 1991 | 38 | 56 | 7 | 100 |
| 2001 | 34 | 59 | 7 | 100 |
| 2011 | 29 | 63 | 8 | 100 |
| 2026 | 23 | 64 | 12 | 100 |
Frequently asked questions
Study this chart carefully. With the help of your teacher, try to trace what happens to the new-born generation of 1961 (the 0–4 age group) as it moves up the pyramid in successive years. - Where will the 0–4 age group of 1961 be located in the pyramids for the later years? - Where – in which age group – is the widest part of the pyramid as you move from 1961 to 2026? - What do you think the shape of the pyramid might be in the year 2051 and 3001?
1. The 0–4 age group of 1961 will move up the pyramid in successive years as that cohort ages. For example, in 1981, this group will be in the 20–24 age group; in 2001, in the 40–44 age group; and in 2026, in the 65–69 age group. This tracing shows how a particular generation ages over time.
2. The widest part of the pyramid shifts from the bottom (youngest age groups) in 1961 to the middle age groups in 2026. This middle bulge represents the large working-age population, which is the demograph
Demography is derived from the Greek words 'demos' and 'graphein'. What do these words mean respectively?
People and to describe
Which of the following best describes the difference between formal demography and social demography?
Formal demography focuses on quantitative analysis; social demography focuses on social, economic, and political causes of population trends
Identify the year when the first modern census was conducted in America, which influenced census practices worldwide.
1790
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