Population and Development: The Demographic Transition

The demographic transition and its related effects of population growth, fertility decline and ageing populations are fraught with controversy. When discussed in relation to the global south and the modern project of development, the questions and answers become more problematic. Population and Development offers an expert guide on the demographic transition, from its origins in Enlightenment Europe through to the rest of the world. Tim Dyson examines how, while the phenomenon continues to cause unsustainable population growth with serious economic and environmental implications, its processes have underlain previous periods of sustained economic growth, helped to liberate women from the domestic domain, and contributed greatly to the rise of modern democracy. This accessible yet scholarly analysis will enable any student or expert in development studies to understand complex and vital demographic theory.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Introduction 1. Introduction 2. The Demographic Transition-Origins, Processes, Effects 3. World Population and the Transition Part II: The Processes of the Demographic Transition 4. The Demographic Transition-Facts and Theory 5. Urbanization and the Transition Part III: The Effects of the Demographic Transition 6. Social Effects of the Transition 7. Economic and Political Effects Part IV: Conclusion 8. Conclusions, Discussion, the Future Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Tim Dyson is Professor of Population Studies at the London School of Economics. His research interests include world food and agricultural prospects, the causes and consequences of famines, the demographic basis of urban growth and urbanization, climate change and global warming, the demography and epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, and the past, present and future population of the Indian subcontinent.

Review :
'This is a bold and original book which places population change at the centre of human development over the past 250 years. Written in a highly accessible style, this book should be read by everyone interested in the fundamental forces that have shaped the modern world.' John Cleland, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine 'What a systematic exposition of the linkages between population and development! Dyson, through his life-long experience with strong statistical evidences argues that no other force has greater consequences for development than demographic transition as it influences population aging, international migration and climate change.' S Irudaya Rajan, Centre for Development Studies 'This work represents a remarkable contribution to the literature on world demographic and social changes.' Zhongwei Zhao, The Australian National University 'This accessible yet scholarly analysis will enable any student or expert in development studies to understand complex and vital demographic transition theory.' Arokiasamy, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai