Contact Population Europe Secretariat WissenschaftsForum Markgrafenstraße 37 10117 Berlin - Germany Fon +49 (0)30 2061 383 -30 Fax +49 (0)30 2061 383 -50 office@population-europe.eu Image Population Europe Newsletter - September 2019 Demography drives your future This is the newsletter of Population Europe, the network of Europe's leading demographic research centres. Books and Reports Image 17/06/19 Are the World’s Richest Countries Family Friendly? Policy in the OECD and EU Read the report here Children get a better start in life and parents are better able to balance work and home commitments in countries that have family-friendly policies. These include paid parental leave, support for breastfeeding and affordable, high-quality childcare and preschool education. This report looks at family-friendly policies in 41 high- and middle-income countries using four country-level indicators: the duration of paid leave available to mothers; the duration of paid leave reserved specifically for fathers; the share of children below the age of three in childcare centres; and the share of children between the age of three and compulsory school age in childcare or preschool centres. Read more about Are the World’s Richest Countries Family Friendly? Policy in the OECD and EU Image 02/07/19 Progress of the World's Women 2019-2020: Families in a changing world Read the report here Families around the world look, feel, and live differently today. Families can be "make or break" for women and girls when it comes to achieving their rights. They can be places of love, care, and fulfillment but, too often, they are also spaces where women’s and girls’ rights are violated, their voices are stifled, and where gender inequality prevails. In today’s changing world, laws and policies need to be based on the reality of how families live. At a critical juncture for women’s rights, this landmark report proposes a comprehensive family-friendly policy agenda to advance gender equality in diverse families. A package of policies to deliver this agenda is affordable for most countries, according to a costing analysis included in the report. When families are places of equality and justice, economies and societies thrive and unlock the full potential of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report shows that achieving the SDGs depends on promoting gender equality within families. Read more about Progress of the World's Women 2019-2020: Families in a changing world Image 08/07/19 Inequalities in the Access of Young People to Information and Support Services Read the report here In recent years, concerns have been expressed at EU and national level that the combined stresses arising from school, parental expectations and societal pressures can make the transition to adulthood difficult for young people – with the risk of a long-lasting negative impact. One way of easing the transition is to provide appropriate information and support services during these critical life-changing years. However, it appears that not all young people have access to such services. This report describes the characteristics of the young people who face most difficulties in accessing social and health services, the types of services most relevant to them and the main challenges they face in accessing information and support services. It also looks at what service providers can do to ensure they reach young people in need of their support and presents innovative examples of how to tackle inequalities in access to services. Read more about Inequalities in the Access of Young People to Information and Support Services Image 22/07/19 Sustainable Inclusion of Migrants into Society and Labour Market Read the report here Currently, roughly 22.3 million third-country nationals were living in the European Union (4.4% of the total EU population). How do we ensure that migrants and refugees fully participate in economic, cultural and social life? This report looks into the different policies, initiatives and practices related to the inclusion of migrants in European labour markets and societies. It focuses in particular on integrated approaches towards migrants’ inclusion and the EU funding available to support it. This report looks into the different policies, initiatives and practices related to the inclusion of migrants in European labour markets and societies. Read more about Sustainable Inclusion of Migrants into Society and Labour Market Image 26/08/19 Recent Trends in Child and Family Policy in the EU - European Platform for Investing in Children: Annual Thematic Report Read the report here This second annual trend report outlines and summarises new policy developments in the area of child and family policy in the 28 EU Member States (EU28), and reports on progress with policies and activities initiated in earlier years. It is drafted as part of the European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC) project. Definition This second annual trend report outlines and summarises new policy developments in the area of child and family policy in the 28 EU Member States (EU28), and reports on progress with policies and activities initiated in earlier years. It is drafted as part of the European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC) project. Read more about Recent Trends in Child and Family Policy in the EU - European Platform for Investing in Children: Annual Thematic Report Image 26/08/19 Inequality in Demographic Behaviour: How Important Are Parents? Read the report here Inequality is on the rise across Western societies. A key aspect of inequality is that the life choices and life chances of individuals depend on their social background. This certainly is true for socio-economic outcomes, like how much you earn and the status of your job. But to what extent is this true for demographic behaviour, like leaving home, marriage, parenthood and divorce? To what extent does demographic behaviour, like leaving home, marriage, parenthood and divorce, influence inequality? Read more about Inequality in Demographic Behaviour: How Important Are Parents? News Image 08/07/19 Kieron Barclay Appointed as Pro Futura Scientia XIV Fellow The Sociology Department at Stockholm University announced that docent of Sociology Kieron Barclay was recently appointed a Pro Futura Scientia XIV Fellow, with the project "The Impact of the Family of Origin on Health Inequalities: A Global, Historical, Multigenerational, and Comparative Perspective". The appointment is a five year research grant that includes Kieron Barclay being employed as a senior lecturer at the end of the five-year period. The Sociology Department at Stockholm University announced that docent of Sociology Kieron Barclay was recently appointed a Pro Futura Scientia XIV Fellow, with the project "The Impact of the Family of Origin on Health Inequalities: A Global, Historical, Multigenerational, and Comparative Perspective". Image 22/07/19 Wolfgang Lutz Elected Member of the Academia Europaea IIASA World Population Program Director Wolfgang Lutz was successful in the competitive membership election process of the pan-European Academy of Humanities, Letters, Law, and Sciences. IIASA World Population Program Director Wolfgang Lutz was successful in the competitive membership election process of the pan-European Academy of Humanities, Letters, Law, and Sciences. Policy Insights Image 29/07/2019 Urban Depopulation and Loss of Human Capital: An Emerging Phenomenon in the European Union By Miguel González-Leonardo, Antonio López-Gay and Joaquín Recaño Depopulation is no longer a phenomenon exclusive to rural areas. It has now expanded to small and medium-sized towns and cities in outflow regions. Young people in these municipalities, mainly those who are highly educated, are more likely to emigrate to the more thriving metropolitan areas. The departure of qualified young people is not compensated for, either numerically or based on the educational level of people who arrive from other places. This situation gives rise to negative migration balances and processes of educational decapitalisation. <p>Depopulation has now expanded to small and medium-sized towns and cities in outflow regions, especially among highly educated young people. This situation gives rise to negative migration balances and processes of educational decapitalisation.</p> Read more about Urban Depopulation and Loss of Human Capital: An Emerging Phenomenon in the European Union Pop Digest Image 25/06/2019 Latin American Convergence and Divergence Towards the Mortality Profiles of Developed Countries Latin America is getting closer to the longevity levels of developed countries. However, high inequality in population health still prevails Why do people in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) live shorter lives than those in the developed countries? Is LAC approaching the levels of life expectancy and population health of the most developed regions in the world? A new study published in a leading journal of demography looks at health and mortality of 20 LAC countries during the period between 2000 and 2014. Why do people in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) live shorter lives than those in the developed countries? Is LAC approaching the levels of life expectancy and population health of the most developed regions in the world? A new study looks at health and mortality of 20 LAC countries during the period between 2000 and 2014. Read more about Latin American Convergence and Divergence Towards the Mortality Profiles of Developed Countries Image 22/07/2019 Have Mortality Differences Between East and West Germany Been Overcome? Study on avoidable mortality differences between Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein Due to the division of Germany during the Cold War, former East and West Germany have provided demographers with a ‘natural experiment’, especially when studying mortality. Research by Michael Mühlichen used this idea to carry out a study on how mortality rates have developed in two German states since reunification with specific focus on premature mortality. Research by Michael Mühlichen studied how mortality rates have developed in two German states since reunification with specific focus on premature mortality. Using official population and cause-of death statistics for Germany, he found that premature mortality has decreased rapidly since reunification, especially in the east. Read more about Have Mortality Differences Between East and West Germany Been Overcome? Image 22/07/2019 Engagement in the Country of Origin Matters Little for Recent Migrants’ Second-Language Proficiency In 2016, many Turkish migrants living in Europe expressed their loyalty towards their country of origin in the wake of the attempted military coup. This triggered various media outlets to make allegations about engagement in the country of origin hampering integration. Nella Geurts (Radboud University) & Marcel Lubbers (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute/KNAW/University of Groningen) investigated the relationship between migrants’ engagement with the country of origin and second-language proficiency from a quantitative perspective. Read more about Engagement in the Country of Origin Matters Little for Recent Migrants’ Second-Language Proficiency Image 05/08/2019 Highly Educated and Living Alone Study compares the living situation of the working-age population in 12 European countries A study by Glenn Sandström and Lena Karlsson used data from the Generations and Gender Survey to see if there is a connection between one’s educational level and whether one lives alone. Glenn Sandström and Lena Karlsson used data from the Generations and Gender Survey and found that in countries considered more gender equal, those with a higher education are less likely to live alone. But in less gender equal countries, the opposite is true with higher educated people more likely to live alone. Read more about Highly Educated and Living Alone Image 13/08/2019 How Different is Male from Female Fertility? In a brand-new and critical study, Bruno Schoumaker explored vital statistics, surveys, and censuses from 163 countries to provide a broad overview of male fertility around the world and over time, and to identify the factors leading to differences between male and female fertility levels and trends. In a brand new and critical study, Bruno Schoumaker explored vital statistics, surveys and censuses from 163 countries to provide a broad overview of male fertility around the world and over time, and to identify the factors leading to differences between male and female fertility levels and trends. Read more about How Different is Male from Female Fertility? Image 20/08/2019 Childcare Availability Has Substantial Positive Effects on Fertility Among Dual-Earner Couples in Belgium Using detailed longitudinal census and register data from the 2000s combined with childcare coverage rates for 588 municipalities in Belgium, a new study by Jonas Wood and Karel Neels from the Centre for Longitudinal and Life-Course Studies at the University of Antwerp indicates clear and substantial positive effects of local formal childcare provision on the likelihood of having a child among dual-earner couples, especially when considering becoming a parent for the first time. Using longitudinal census and register data combined with childcare coverage rates for 588 municipalities in Belgium, Wood & Neels found that local formal childcare provision has a clear and substantial positive effect on the likelihood of having a child among dual-earner couples. Read more about Childcare Availability Has Substantial Positive Effects on Fertility Among Dual-Earner Couples in Belgium Image 25/06/2019 Let’s Start From the Beginning! New study shows the importance of considering immigrants’ social position before migration to understand their broader integration. To understand immigrants’ situation properly, it is important to grasp both their own perceptions of their position in the new society and the life they left behind when they migrated. Taking a step in this direction, Per Engzell (Nuffield College, University of Oxford and Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University) and Mathieu Ichou (Institut National d'Études Démographiques) studied immigrants’ self-perceived status, measured as subjective social status, and perceived financial situation in the destination countries. To understand immigrants’ situation properly, it is important to grasp both their own perceptions of their position in the new society and the life they left behind when they migrated. Per Engzell (Nuffield College, University of Oxford and Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University) and Mathieu Ichou (Institut National d'Études Démographiques) studied immigrants’ self-perceived status, measured as subjective social status, and perceived financial situation in the destination countries. Read more about Let’s Start From the Beginning! Image 02/07/2019 Is Climate Change Affecting Trends in Mortality? New study in "The Lancet Planetary Health" looks at temperature-related cardiovascular disease mortality in Spain As a consequence of the climate becoming warmer, the world population is more exposed to moderate and extreme warm temperatures and less exposed to moderate and extreme cold temperatures, which may affect health outcomes. Many studies have shown both a negative and positive long-term net effect in mortality depending on the location and magnitude of the warming. However, most of these analyses did not take into account how vulnerable individuals are to these changes. Daniel Devolder and Joan Ballester (Centre for Demographic Studies, Autonomous University of Barcelona, and Barcelona Institute for Global Health) explored mortality and temperature data from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics and the European Climate Assessment and Dataset project, respectively. The study, published in the prestigious journal The Lancet Planetary Health, is the first to comprehensively assess the impact of the 1°C increase in ambient temperature, observed in Spain since 1980, on mortality due to cardiovascular disease by sex and age. Read more about Is Climate Change Affecting Trends in Mortality? Image 08/07/2019 Does Family Structure Relate to Children’s Physical Health? New study looks at respiratory health, being overweight and accidental injuries A new study based on the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally-representative longitudinal survey of children born in 2000-2 and living in the United Kingdom, explored the association between family structure trajectories and early physical health, as opposed to more commonly reported outcomes such as cognitive development or behaviour in older children. A new study based on the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally-representative longitudinal survey of children born in 2000-2 and living in the United Kingdom, explored the association between family structure trajectories and early physical health, as opposed to more commonly reported outcomes such as cognitive development or behaviour in older children. Read more about Does Family Structure Relate to Children’s Physical Health? Image 08/07/2019 Reforms to Boost Student Mobility Are Not Helping the Lower Social Class in Italy Student mobility is an important yet neglected component of social mobility: In principle, it could foster social mobility, but its role in preserving or dismantling social inequalities is still largely under-investigated in Europe. Besides the fact that higher education reforms at the European Union (EU) and national levels have incentivised young people to study abroad from their home region, its impact on social mobility is yet to be understood. Student mobility could foster social mobility, but its role in preserving or dismantling social inequalities is still largely under-investigated in Europe. Besides the fact that higher education reforms at the European Union (EU) and national levels have incentivised young people to study abroad from their home region, its impact on social mobility is yet to be understood. Read more about Reforms to Boost Student Mobility Are Not Helping the Lower Social Class in Italy Image 17/07/2019 Birth Weight Matters for Both Short- and Long-Term Health Outcomes To date, a large number of researchers have documented associations between lower birth weight and a range of health problems later in life. However, for a substantial amount of existing studies, it is unclear whether these associations reflect causality. Aiming at providing causal evidence in this field of research, Jonas Helgertz (University of Minnesota and Lund University) and Anton Nilsson (Lund University) analysed full-population Swedish register data on siblings and twins born between 1973 and 1994, and followed until 2011. Jonas Helgertz (University of Minnesota and Lund University) and Anton Nilsson (Lund University) analysed full-population Swedish register data on siblings and twins born between 1973 and 1994, and followed until 2011. This is one of the first studies to look at the effect of birth weight on sick days in adulthood. Read more about Birth Weight Matters for Both Short- and Long-Term Health Outcomes Image 23/07/2019 Are Married People Happier? Differences in subjective wellbeing among cohabitating and married couples Numerous studies have been published that have examined subjective wellbeing (SWB) and marriage status, finding that married people tend to have a higher SWB. But in today’s society, more couples are opting for cohabitation, which includes many benefits associated with marriage. This then leaves the question of whether individuals who cohabit have similar levels of SWB as married people. Perelli-Harris et al. investigated whether individuals who cohabit have similar levels of subjective wellbeing (SWB) as married people. They studied events and characteristics correlated with entrance into marriage; whether marriage may be more advantageous for those with a lower or higher tendency to marry; and, finally, whether there is variation by country and gender between partnership type and SWB. Read more about Are Married People Happier? Image 26/08/2019 How Supportive Are Stepparents? The role of stepparents in children’s lives during young and middle adulthood As the result of a rise in divorce and repartnering, an increasing proportion of the adult population has experienced stepparents entering their lives. Although most research has focused on children living in stepfamilies, stepparents might also have a role in the life of adult children who have left the parental household. In the process of establishing a career, entering the housing market, and raising young children, adult children might need to call upon their parents and, potentially, stepparents for help. Van Houdt, Kalmijn, and Ivanova used data from the Netherlands to investigate stepparents' involvement in their stepchildren's lives as they reach adulthood, establish a career, enter the housing market, and raise young children. Respondents reported about all financial support, practical support in and around the house, support with childcare, and advice they received from their (step)parents during the last year. Read more about How Supportive Are Stepparents?
Image 17/06/19 Are the World’s Richest Countries Family Friendly? Policy in the OECD and EU Read the report here Children get a better start in life and parents are better able to balance work and home commitments in countries that have family-friendly policies. These include paid parental leave, support for breastfeeding and affordable, high-quality childcare and preschool education. This report looks at family-friendly policies in 41 high- and middle-income countries using four country-level indicators: the duration of paid leave available to mothers; the duration of paid leave reserved specifically for fathers; the share of children below the age of three in childcare centres; and the share of children between the age of three and compulsory school age in childcare or preschool centres. Read more about Are the World’s Richest Countries Family Friendly? Policy in the OECD and EU
Image 02/07/19 Progress of the World's Women 2019-2020: Families in a changing world Read the report here Families around the world look, feel, and live differently today. Families can be "make or break" for women and girls when it comes to achieving their rights. They can be places of love, care, and fulfillment but, too often, they are also spaces where women’s and girls’ rights are violated, their voices are stifled, and where gender inequality prevails. In today’s changing world, laws and policies need to be based on the reality of how families live. At a critical juncture for women’s rights, this landmark report proposes a comprehensive family-friendly policy agenda to advance gender equality in diverse families. A package of policies to deliver this agenda is affordable for most countries, according to a costing analysis included in the report. When families are places of equality and justice, economies and societies thrive and unlock the full potential of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report shows that achieving the SDGs depends on promoting gender equality within families. Read more about Progress of the World's Women 2019-2020: Families in a changing world
Image 08/07/19 Inequalities in the Access of Young People to Information and Support Services Read the report here In recent years, concerns have been expressed at EU and national level that the combined stresses arising from school, parental expectations and societal pressures can make the transition to adulthood difficult for young people – with the risk of a long-lasting negative impact. One way of easing the transition is to provide appropriate information and support services during these critical life-changing years. However, it appears that not all young people have access to such services. This report describes the characteristics of the young people who face most difficulties in accessing social and health services, the types of services most relevant to them and the main challenges they face in accessing information and support services. It also looks at what service providers can do to ensure they reach young people in need of their support and presents innovative examples of how to tackle inequalities in access to services. Read more about Inequalities in the Access of Young People to Information and Support Services
Image 22/07/19 Sustainable Inclusion of Migrants into Society and Labour Market Read the report here Currently, roughly 22.3 million third-country nationals were living in the European Union (4.4% of the total EU population). How do we ensure that migrants and refugees fully participate in economic, cultural and social life? This report looks into the different policies, initiatives and practices related to the inclusion of migrants in European labour markets and societies. It focuses in particular on integrated approaches towards migrants’ inclusion and the EU funding available to support it. This report looks into the different policies, initiatives and practices related to the inclusion of migrants in European labour markets and societies. Read more about Sustainable Inclusion of Migrants into Society and Labour Market
Image 26/08/19 Recent Trends in Child and Family Policy in the EU - European Platform for Investing in Children: Annual Thematic Report Read the report here This second annual trend report outlines and summarises new policy developments in the area of child and family policy in the 28 EU Member States (EU28), and reports on progress with policies and activities initiated in earlier years. It is drafted as part of the European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC) project. Definition This second annual trend report outlines and summarises new policy developments in the area of child and family policy in the 28 EU Member States (EU28), and reports on progress with policies and activities initiated in earlier years. It is drafted as part of the European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC) project. Read more about Recent Trends in Child and Family Policy in the EU - European Platform for Investing in Children: Annual Thematic Report
Image 26/08/19 Inequality in Demographic Behaviour: How Important Are Parents? Read the report here Inequality is on the rise across Western societies. A key aspect of inequality is that the life choices and life chances of individuals depend on their social background. This certainly is true for socio-economic outcomes, like how much you earn and the status of your job. But to what extent is this true for demographic behaviour, like leaving home, marriage, parenthood and divorce? To what extent does demographic behaviour, like leaving home, marriage, parenthood and divorce, influence inequality? Read more about Inequality in Demographic Behaviour: How Important Are Parents?
Image 08/07/19 Kieron Barclay Appointed as Pro Futura Scientia XIV Fellow The Sociology Department at Stockholm University announced that docent of Sociology Kieron Barclay was recently appointed a Pro Futura Scientia XIV Fellow, with the project "The Impact of the Family of Origin on Health Inequalities: A Global, Historical, Multigenerational, and Comparative Perspective". The appointment is a five year research grant that includes Kieron Barclay being employed as a senior lecturer at the end of the five-year period. The Sociology Department at Stockholm University announced that docent of Sociology Kieron Barclay was recently appointed a Pro Futura Scientia XIV Fellow, with the project "The Impact of the Family of Origin on Health Inequalities: A Global, Historical, Multigenerational, and Comparative Perspective".
Image 22/07/19 Wolfgang Lutz Elected Member of the Academia Europaea IIASA World Population Program Director Wolfgang Lutz was successful in the competitive membership election process of the pan-European Academy of Humanities, Letters, Law, and Sciences. IIASA World Population Program Director Wolfgang Lutz was successful in the competitive membership election process of the pan-European Academy of Humanities, Letters, Law, and Sciences.
Image 29/07/2019 Urban Depopulation and Loss of Human Capital: An Emerging Phenomenon in the European Union By Miguel González-Leonardo, Antonio López-Gay and Joaquín Recaño Depopulation is no longer a phenomenon exclusive to rural areas. It has now expanded to small and medium-sized towns and cities in outflow regions. Young people in these municipalities, mainly those who are highly educated, are more likely to emigrate to the more thriving metropolitan areas. The departure of qualified young people is not compensated for, either numerically or based on the educational level of people who arrive from other places. This situation gives rise to negative migration balances and processes of educational decapitalisation. <p>Depopulation has now expanded to small and medium-sized towns and cities in outflow regions, especially among highly educated young people. This situation gives rise to negative migration balances and processes of educational decapitalisation.</p> Read more about Urban Depopulation and Loss of Human Capital: An Emerging Phenomenon in the European Union
Image 25/06/2019 Latin American Convergence and Divergence Towards the Mortality Profiles of Developed Countries Latin America is getting closer to the longevity levels of developed countries. However, high inequality in population health still prevails Why do people in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) live shorter lives than those in the developed countries? Is LAC approaching the levels of life expectancy and population health of the most developed regions in the world? A new study published in a leading journal of demography looks at health and mortality of 20 LAC countries during the period between 2000 and 2014. Why do people in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) live shorter lives than those in the developed countries? Is LAC approaching the levels of life expectancy and population health of the most developed regions in the world? A new study looks at health and mortality of 20 LAC countries during the period between 2000 and 2014. Read more about Latin American Convergence and Divergence Towards the Mortality Profiles of Developed Countries
Image 22/07/2019 Have Mortality Differences Between East and West Germany Been Overcome? Study on avoidable mortality differences between Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein Due to the division of Germany during the Cold War, former East and West Germany have provided demographers with a ‘natural experiment’, especially when studying mortality. Research by Michael Mühlichen used this idea to carry out a study on how mortality rates have developed in two German states since reunification with specific focus on premature mortality. Research by Michael Mühlichen studied how mortality rates have developed in two German states since reunification with specific focus on premature mortality. Using official population and cause-of death statistics for Germany, he found that premature mortality has decreased rapidly since reunification, especially in the east. Read more about Have Mortality Differences Between East and West Germany Been Overcome?
Image 22/07/2019 Engagement in the Country of Origin Matters Little for Recent Migrants’ Second-Language Proficiency In 2016, many Turkish migrants living in Europe expressed their loyalty towards their country of origin in the wake of the attempted military coup. This triggered various media outlets to make allegations about engagement in the country of origin hampering integration. Nella Geurts (Radboud University) & Marcel Lubbers (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute/KNAW/University of Groningen) investigated the relationship between migrants’ engagement with the country of origin and second-language proficiency from a quantitative perspective. Read more about Engagement in the Country of Origin Matters Little for Recent Migrants’ Second-Language Proficiency
Image 05/08/2019 Highly Educated and Living Alone Study compares the living situation of the working-age population in 12 European countries A study by Glenn Sandström and Lena Karlsson used data from the Generations and Gender Survey to see if there is a connection between one’s educational level and whether one lives alone. Glenn Sandström and Lena Karlsson used data from the Generations and Gender Survey and found that in countries considered more gender equal, those with a higher education are less likely to live alone. But in less gender equal countries, the opposite is true with higher educated people more likely to live alone. Read more about Highly Educated and Living Alone
Image 13/08/2019 How Different is Male from Female Fertility? In a brand-new and critical study, Bruno Schoumaker explored vital statistics, surveys, and censuses from 163 countries to provide a broad overview of male fertility around the world and over time, and to identify the factors leading to differences between male and female fertility levels and trends. In a brand new and critical study, Bruno Schoumaker explored vital statistics, surveys and censuses from 163 countries to provide a broad overview of male fertility around the world and over time, and to identify the factors leading to differences between male and female fertility levels and trends. Read more about How Different is Male from Female Fertility?
Image 20/08/2019 Childcare Availability Has Substantial Positive Effects on Fertility Among Dual-Earner Couples in Belgium Using detailed longitudinal census and register data from the 2000s combined with childcare coverage rates for 588 municipalities in Belgium, a new study by Jonas Wood and Karel Neels from the Centre for Longitudinal and Life-Course Studies at the University of Antwerp indicates clear and substantial positive effects of local formal childcare provision on the likelihood of having a child among dual-earner couples, especially when considering becoming a parent for the first time. Using longitudinal census and register data combined with childcare coverage rates for 588 municipalities in Belgium, Wood & Neels found that local formal childcare provision has a clear and substantial positive effect on the likelihood of having a child among dual-earner couples. Read more about Childcare Availability Has Substantial Positive Effects on Fertility Among Dual-Earner Couples in Belgium
Image 25/06/2019 Let’s Start From the Beginning! New study shows the importance of considering immigrants’ social position before migration to understand their broader integration. To understand immigrants’ situation properly, it is important to grasp both their own perceptions of their position in the new society and the life they left behind when they migrated. Taking a step in this direction, Per Engzell (Nuffield College, University of Oxford and Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University) and Mathieu Ichou (Institut National d'Études Démographiques) studied immigrants’ self-perceived status, measured as subjective social status, and perceived financial situation in the destination countries. To understand immigrants’ situation properly, it is important to grasp both their own perceptions of their position in the new society and the life they left behind when they migrated. Per Engzell (Nuffield College, University of Oxford and Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University) and Mathieu Ichou (Institut National d'Études Démographiques) studied immigrants’ self-perceived status, measured as subjective social status, and perceived financial situation in the destination countries. Read more about Let’s Start From the Beginning!
Image 02/07/2019 Is Climate Change Affecting Trends in Mortality? New study in "The Lancet Planetary Health" looks at temperature-related cardiovascular disease mortality in Spain As a consequence of the climate becoming warmer, the world population is more exposed to moderate and extreme warm temperatures and less exposed to moderate and extreme cold temperatures, which may affect health outcomes. Many studies have shown both a negative and positive long-term net effect in mortality depending on the location and magnitude of the warming. However, most of these analyses did not take into account how vulnerable individuals are to these changes. Daniel Devolder and Joan Ballester (Centre for Demographic Studies, Autonomous University of Barcelona, and Barcelona Institute for Global Health) explored mortality and temperature data from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics and the European Climate Assessment and Dataset project, respectively. The study, published in the prestigious journal The Lancet Planetary Health, is the first to comprehensively assess the impact of the 1°C increase in ambient temperature, observed in Spain since 1980, on mortality due to cardiovascular disease by sex and age. Read more about Is Climate Change Affecting Trends in Mortality?
Image 08/07/2019 Does Family Structure Relate to Children’s Physical Health? New study looks at respiratory health, being overweight and accidental injuries A new study based on the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally-representative longitudinal survey of children born in 2000-2 and living in the United Kingdom, explored the association between family structure trajectories and early physical health, as opposed to more commonly reported outcomes such as cognitive development or behaviour in older children. A new study based on the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally-representative longitudinal survey of children born in 2000-2 and living in the United Kingdom, explored the association between family structure trajectories and early physical health, as opposed to more commonly reported outcomes such as cognitive development or behaviour in older children. Read more about Does Family Structure Relate to Children’s Physical Health?
Image 08/07/2019 Reforms to Boost Student Mobility Are Not Helping the Lower Social Class in Italy Student mobility is an important yet neglected component of social mobility: In principle, it could foster social mobility, but its role in preserving or dismantling social inequalities is still largely under-investigated in Europe. Besides the fact that higher education reforms at the European Union (EU) and national levels have incentivised young people to study abroad from their home region, its impact on social mobility is yet to be understood. Student mobility could foster social mobility, but its role in preserving or dismantling social inequalities is still largely under-investigated in Europe. Besides the fact that higher education reforms at the European Union (EU) and national levels have incentivised young people to study abroad from their home region, its impact on social mobility is yet to be understood. Read more about Reforms to Boost Student Mobility Are Not Helping the Lower Social Class in Italy
Image 17/07/2019 Birth Weight Matters for Both Short- and Long-Term Health Outcomes To date, a large number of researchers have documented associations between lower birth weight and a range of health problems later in life. However, for a substantial amount of existing studies, it is unclear whether these associations reflect causality. Aiming at providing causal evidence in this field of research, Jonas Helgertz (University of Minnesota and Lund University) and Anton Nilsson (Lund University) analysed full-population Swedish register data on siblings and twins born between 1973 and 1994, and followed until 2011. Jonas Helgertz (University of Minnesota and Lund University) and Anton Nilsson (Lund University) analysed full-population Swedish register data on siblings and twins born between 1973 and 1994, and followed until 2011. This is one of the first studies to look at the effect of birth weight on sick days in adulthood. Read more about Birth Weight Matters for Both Short- and Long-Term Health Outcomes
Image 23/07/2019 Are Married People Happier? Differences in subjective wellbeing among cohabitating and married couples Numerous studies have been published that have examined subjective wellbeing (SWB) and marriage status, finding that married people tend to have a higher SWB. But in today’s society, more couples are opting for cohabitation, which includes many benefits associated with marriage. This then leaves the question of whether individuals who cohabit have similar levels of SWB as married people. Perelli-Harris et al. investigated whether individuals who cohabit have similar levels of subjective wellbeing (SWB) as married people. They studied events and characteristics correlated with entrance into marriage; whether marriage may be more advantageous for those with a lower or higher tendency to marry; and, finally, whether there is variation by country and gender between partnership type and SWB. Read more about Are Married People Happier?
Image 26/08/2019 How Supportive Are Stepparents? The role of stepparents in children’s lives during young and middle adulthood As the result of a rise in divorce and repartnering, an increasing proportion of the adult population has experienced stepparents entering their lives. Although most research has focused on children living in stepfamilies, stepparents might also have a role in the life of adult children who have left the parental household. In the process of establishing a career, entering the housing market, and raising young children, adult children might need to call upon their parents and, potentially, stepparents for help. Van Houdt, Kalmijn, and Ivanova used data from the Netherlands to investigate stepparents' involvement in their stepchildren's lives as they reach adulthood, establish a career, enter the housing market, and raise young children. Respondents reported about all financial support, practical support in and around the house, support with childcare, and advice they received from their (step)parents during the last year. Read more about How Supportive Are Stepparents?