The correct option is People are mostly illiterate.
Explanation
The Demographic Transition Theory describes the transition of a society from high birth and high death rates to low birth and low death rates as it progresses from an agrarian to an industrial and urban society. The First Stage of this transition corresponds to a pre-industrial society.
Option Analysis
- High life expectancy is incorrect: In the first stage, life expectancy is low. High mortality rates are prevalent due to epidemics, lack of medical facilities, and food insecurity.
- High level of technology is incorrect: The level of technology is low. The society is primarily agrarian and relies on rudimentary methods of production.
- People are mostly illiterate is correct: The population in the first stage is mostly illiterate. Education levels are low, and the economy is driven by subsistence agriculture and manual labor rather than specialized skills requiring formal education.
- Small family size is incorrect: Family sizes are generally large. High fertility is maintained to compensate for high infant mortality rates and to provide labor for agricultural activities.
Key Takeaway: The First Stage of Demographic Transition is characterized by high birth rates and high death rates, resulting in slow population growth. The society is typically agrarian, with low technology, low life expectancy, and high illiteracy.