Demography is a broad social science discipline. (“What is Demography”) The word ‘demography’ comes from the Greek word ‘demos’, which means population and ‘graphy’, which means to describe or draw. (Luczkovich) In it’s most simplistic terms, demography is the study of how human population changes. Various data is collected and then analyzed to see how populations have changed over a period of time, and to predict how they will act in the future. These changes occur due to births, deaths, immigration, emigration, and natural aging. Demography can be studied as a study of the Earth’s entire population, or by specific groups such as: geographic area, age, gender, race, nationality, and a variety of other aspects.
Table of Contents
- Demography
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the social science discipline of demography. It explores the history, methods, and applications of this field, examining how it contributes to our understanding of population dynamics and social change.
- The Definition and Scope of Demography
- Key Demographic Concepts and Measures
- The Impact of Demography on Society and the Environment
- The Use of Demography in Research, Policy, and Business
- Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Population Growth and Change
Chapter Summaries
- Demography: This chapter introduces the field of demography, defining its core concepts, methods, and areas of study. It explores the historical roots of demography and its relationship to other social science disciplines. The chapter also discusses the importance of data collection and analysis in demographic research.
- Key Demographic Measures: This chapter focuses on key demographic indicators, such as birth rates, death rates, fertility rates, and migration patterns. It explains how these measures are calculated and interpreted, and how they contribute to our understanding of population change. The chapter also explores the relationship between these measures and social, economic, and environmental factors.
- The Impact of Demography on Society: This chapter examines the various ways in which demographic trends affect society. It discusses the impact of population growth, aging, and migration on social institutions, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The chapter also explores the role of demography in shaping social policy and planning.
Keywords
Key terms and concepts explored in this text include: demography, population, birth rates, death rates, fertility rates, migration, population growth, aging, social change, environmental impact, data analysis, social policy, and research methods.
- Quote paper
- Kimberly Wylie (Author), 2003, Demography. A Short Introduction, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/60766
