Population And Society

AY2014/2015 Semester 1

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the sociological study of population. Beginning with a discussion of the significance of changing demographic patterns within nation-states and in the global context, we consider the development of population science and major theories of demographic change. Special attention is given to 'the demographic transition' and the causes and consequences of population growth in developed and developing countries. In understanding population dynamics, we focus on basic aspects of demographic structure and composition and analyze their implications for ethnic, gender, class and inter-generational relations. Population growth and distribution are also studied in relation to fecundity and fertility, morbidity and mortality, and migration.