demography

Demography is the statistical study of populations, primarily focusing on the structure, distribution, and trends in population changes over time.

changes in the size of families and households in the last 50 years:

point one:

• decline of birth rate-refers to number of live births per thousand of the population per year is decreasing.

• has occurred because of women’s position in society-increased educational and employment opportunities.

• HARPER-argues that there has been a change of mind set among women-suggests educated women more likely to use family planning, will delay childbearing or not have children at all for career

• women are having children at later ages=reduces number of children they will have=smaller family sizes

point two:

• child centered attitude of society-means children are focal point of family.

• means that parents invest a great deal in their children emotionally and physically=fewer children

• ARIES + SHORTER argue children are more valued, protected and cared for, than those of previous generations

• resulted in a shift from quantity to quality-parents have fewer children to lavish more attention

evaluate position of old in todays society is changing for better

point one:

• modern society portrays old in particular way- it is characterised by scientific thought, individualism, technical development and rejection of some traditional values

• marxist philipson believes the old are no use towards capitalist values as they are no longer productive-as a consequence-ageism emerges.

• elderly people are ‘structurally dependent’ on society and the welfare state as they are excluded from work due to compulsory retirement