Policy Insights

by Amparo González-Ferrer Spanish emigration has captured headlines in recent years. It is understandable considering how historically emotive the phenomenon has become in a country so many were forced to leave throughout the 20th century. But the situation of Spain’s own immigrant population also deserves some reflection.

by James W. Vaupel Everyone talks about our new life courses in view of increasing life expectancy – but what about reconciliation of family and career? In numerous sectors of the economy and other branches of society, many of the leading positions are predominantly occupied by men. This has led to, for example, debates about obligatory quota regulations within the governing boards of listed companies to allow females to break through the so-called “glass ceiling” of gender-specific career paths.

Population science is a fortunate discip­line, methodologically speaking. As demo­graphers, we enjoy a wealth of available data and our subjects—birth, partnership, death, movement—are fairly clear cut. They are also easily subjected to interna­tional comparisons, which offer insight into general and country-specific trends.

Relationships are thought to be an important indication of integration. Since the beginning of the European project, political scientists have in fact suggested that the development of a European identity could be strengthened by marriages between two people from different European countries. It’s tricky to measure, though, so we’ve had only anecdotes until now. Our study offers figures [1].

by Jakub Bijak Forced migration, related to armed conflict or persecution is unpredictable [1]. Crises such as the recent one in Syria happen frequently all over the world, forcing many people to flee and seek asylum outside of their home countries. In the Syrian case, over four million refugees have already been registered outside of Syria by October 2015.

“Demography is destiny” is a well-known expression. It suggests change is inex­orable, somehow unchangeable, subject only to inertia. But demography can be fast.

Who is considered a childless person in your research?

What are the specific difficulties that pupils of immigrant background face in the education systems?

Population Europe: What do you consider the most pressing issue in Migration politics that the EU has to resolve right now?

Population Europe (PE): To what extent growing up with divorced parents affects children?