230059 KU Population Sociology (2012S)

Demography or the science of population analyses demographic structures (size and structure of human populations according to age, sex, marital status and some other social characteristics) and the processes responsible for changes in these structures (fertility, mortality, migration, nuptiality). Population statistics serve as the main empirical source for demographic analysis. Based on the calculation of specific demographic indicators like the total fertility rate or life expectancy demography analyses the reasons for and the consequences of certain demographic developments. Demography has two distinct roots: one focusing on mathematics and modelling (formal demography) and one focusing on social problems (social demography). Population sociology could be seen as part of social demography.

The lecture presents basic demographic concepts. These concepts are illustrated with empirical examples using the Austrian population. Risks and opportunities of low fertility, high life expectancy, increasing international migration and demographic ageing for the society are discussed.