Dependency ratio definition – UGC NET Question

The dependency ratio compares the size of the dependent population,typically children and older persons,to the working age population. A higher ratio indicates greater economic pressure on the working population to support dependants. The formula in the stem corresponds exactly to this concept. Therefore dependency ratio is the correct term.

Option A:
Sex ratio is the number of females per thousand males or vice versa in a population. It provides information on gender balance but does not relate directly to age structure or economic support burden. Hence it does not match the ratio described in the question.

Option B:
Child ratio considers only the proportion of children relative to the total population or working age group,ignoring elderly dependants. The stem clearly includes both children and older persons,so child ratio is incomplete and not correct here.

Option C:
Dependency ratio captures the combined economic burden of supporting both younger and older dependants on the working age group. It is widely used in development planning to assess social security and employment needs. This matches exactly what the question describes.

Option D:
Urban rural ratio compares populations living in urban and rural areas and is used to study spatial distribution. It has nothing to do with age groups or dependency relationships,so it is not the right answer.