Population and Society
An Introduction to Demography

Ideal for a first course in demography, this sociologically oriented textbook stresses the individual's role in population decision-making.

Dudley L. Poston, Jr (Author), Leon F. Bouvier (Author)

9781107042674, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 June 2017

532 pages, 78 b/w illus.
26.4 x 18.4 x 2.9 cm, 1.29 kg

'From concepts and theories to measures and models, the second edition of this book offers an inspiring, delightful and eloquent introduction to the principles of population studies and its broader application to historical and contemporary societies. A must-read primer for all undergraduate and graduate students interested in social, human, behavioral and health sciences.' Sabu S. Padmadas, University of Southampton

This comprehensive yet accessible textbook is an ideal resource for undergraduate and graduate students taking their first course in demography. Clearly explaining technical demographic issues without using extensive mathematics, Population and Society is sociologically oriented, but incorporates a variety of social sciences in its approach, including economics, political science, geography, and history. It highlights the significant impact of decision-making at the individual level - especially regarding fertility, but also mortality and migration - on population change. The text engages students by providing numerous examples of demography's practical applications in their lives, and demonstrates the extent of its relevance by examining a wide selection of data from the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe. This thoroughly revised edition includes four new chapters, covering topics such as race and sexuality, and encourages students to consider the broad implications of population growth and change for global challenges such as environmental degradation.

1. An introduction to demography
2. Theories of population
3. The sources of demographic information
4. Fertility
5. The family and sexuality
6. Contraception and birth control
7. Mortality
8. Internal migration
9. International migration
10. Age and sex composition
11. Race and ethnic relations
12. World population change over time
13. Population change in the US
14. Population distribution
15. Population policy
16. World population in the twenty-first century.

Subject Areas: Population & demography [JHBD], Sociology [JHB]