Abstract: South Korea has experienced the world’s lowest birth rate for more than two decades. In fact, South’s Korea’s population of close to 52 million is on track to halve by the end of this century. Yet spending more than $270 billion (390 trillion won) on policies including subsidized housing, paid parental leave, child care and early education programs, and family support services failed to reverse this declining trend. Thus, this paper explored the role of socioeconomic and gender inequities that have shaped cultural beliefs regarding parenting, child care, and family life in Korea, and how the sociocultural, educational, historical, and political processes have subsequently shaped the contemporary landscape of Korean early childhood policies and programs. Employing the critical discourse analysis (CDA), this paper describes, interprets, and explains the ways in which discourses of parenting and child care construct, legitimize, and at times, resist inequities in parenting and early childhood development. Key explanatory frameworks emerged from data: 1) Family socioeconomic status and excessive comparison in a hyper-competitive culture; 2) Childrearing as luxury: Gender inequities in parenting and family life; and 3) Parenting as investment: The opportunity cost of childrearing. The paper concludes with implications for early childhood policies designed to strengthen families and children’s well-being.

Abstract: This study examines older adults' subjective well-being (SWB) in Jambi Province, Indonesia, and identifies the key socio-economic determinants influencing their well-being. Using a structured survey of 207 respondents aged 60 and above, SWB was measured through a 19-item instrument encompassing life satisfaction, emotional well-being, and sense of purpose. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The findings indicate that increasing age correlates with a decline in SWB while being female, having a higher level of education, maintaining an active role in the household, being married, and having a stable source of income contribute positively. Pensions or steady financial support can significantly enhance well-being, often even more than simply having a job. On the other hand, larger households may lead to lower well-being, likely because of the financial strain and caregiving demands they bring. Interestingly, older adults from the Malay and Bugis/Banjar ethnic groups tend to feel better than those from the Javanese/Sundanese groups. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening social security systems, lifelong learning programs, and community-based support to enhance the well-being of older adults.

Abstract: Relying solely on aggregated ethnicity-based population counts has limited utility for ethnic minority groups. Accurate and relevant population counts are critical for monitoring and improving outcomes related to health, social welfare, and education. This article examines additional dimensions of identity to provide a revised estimate of the total population count for Peoples of Fiji (PF) living in Aotearoa. Customized data tables from the Census of Population and Dwellings, provided by Statistics New Zealand, were analyzed using ethnicity and additional recorded characteristics, such as country of birth, and parents’ ethnicity, to obtain more accurate counts for the major ethnic groups from Fiji living in Aotearoa. Our analysis revealed that almost 50,000 Fijian Indians were misclassified. Utilizing additional variables, we estimate the revised count for the Fijian Indian ethnic group alone exceeds 70,000 and the PF total count exceeds 2% of Aotearoa’s current population. Accurate population counts and granularity within aggregated groups are essential for informing funding formulas and health policies. We highlight significant variations in ethnicity coding for PF and their implications for health monitoring and risk assessment, data quality, and interpretation. We make key recommendations to improve granular reporting for minority migrant groups in Aotearoa.

Abstract: This article examines the multifaceted relationships between pre-colonial ethnic institutions, colonial interventions, and historical traumas on contemporary African development trajectories. Drawing upon the seminal research of Bolt and Bezemer (2009), Michalopoulos and Papaioannou (2013), and Nunn and Wantchekon (2011), this analysis elucidates how historical forces have distinctively shaped developmental outcomes across African regions. The article establishes a theoretical framework integrating institutional persistence, human capital formation, and social capital theories to examine these relationships. It critically evaluates methodological approaches whilst acknowledging regional variations in how these historical processes manifested. The analysis extends to Brazil-Africa connections, providing comparative insights into how similar historical forces produce divergent outcomes in different contexts. The findings suggest significant implications for development policies that acknowledge historical legacies whilst addressing contemporary challenges.

Abstract: The accelerated growth of older adults (the over-65s) in Italy fits within the context of the complex, hybrid nature of the pension system and the welfare benefits financed by tax revenues, which often overlap. As a result, older adults are facing growing inequalities in living and health conditions, both in the Centre-North and the Southern regions, as well as between genders. Through differential analyses, this paper aims to illustrate the progressive increase in older adults, focussing on their most vulnerable component (i.e. the over-85s), especially concerning social assistance and care issues. Our study considers the current characteristics of social ageing and mortality trends that determine older adults’ growth and number, highlighting the pronounced gender disparities that emerge at older ages. Our findings reveal an ongoing process of change that has led to significant territorial disparities in the types of pension benefits and social allowances. This has exacerbated, in turn, inequalities in living conditions across households and between genders.

Abstract: Brain drain represents a critical challenge to global development, reflecting structural inequalities and tensions between mobility and rootedness. This study analyzes the determinants of skilled migration in 178 countries (2006-2022) using a regression model based on panel data, identifying six key variables: uneven economic development, quality of public services, external intervention, voice and accountability, rule of law, and political stability. Governance, particularly political stability and the rule of law, stands out as crucial for retaining talent, while external interventions and economic inequality exacerbate emigration. From a sociological perspective, migrants are active agents who transform transnational networks, challenging traditional notions of citizenship and belonging. Civil society organizations play a central role by facilitating sociocultural inclusion, mediating resettlement processes, and promoting brain circulation as an alternative to retention-focused models. Additionally, the study highlights the cultural and symbolic dimension of migration, revealing the impact of uprooting on communities of origin. Future research should explore how inclusive policies, digital nomadism, and remittances can reduce structural inequalities, strengthen the connection between migrants and their communities, and advance towards a sustainable and equitable mobility model.

Abstract: This review article is devoted to the role of research agendas in linking research and policy in the field of ageing and longevity. After emphasising the importance of research evidence in international policy frameworks on ageing and defining the main parameters of research agendas, the authors turn to describing how research agendas can play a key role in bridging research and policy on population ageing and individual longevity. Examples of international (global), regional and national research agendas are presented. Finally, the authors reflect on the benefits and current limitations of research agendas in supporting evidence-based policy and highlight the potential role of research agendas in developing appropriate and timely responses to the challenges and opportunities of population ageing and individual longevity.

Abstract:

People, their families, and communities weigh the costs and benefits of migration to decide whether to move or stay; however, these decisions are complex and influenced by multiple factors. This study uses the Migration Transition and Aspirations-Capabilities framework to examine how domestic socioeconomic development shapes migration decisions. Applying the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and Quantitative Descriptive Analyses (QDA) to panel data from 109 low- and middle-income countries, it compares the impact of GDP per capita and the Human Development Index (HDI) on net migration and emigration trends. The dynamic panel regression results show that the HDI exerts a more substantial effect on positive net migration, with its impact being approximately 10.69 times greater than GDP per capita. Coefficients for HDI range from 9.144 to 13.79, while those for GDP per capita range from 0.994 to 1.785. The QDA results also suggest that migration equilibrium is reached at approximately $4,000 GDP per capita, based on emigration rates, and around $7,000 when measured by net migration rates. Additionally, countries with GDPpc between $2,000 and $4,000 experience sharp negative net migration, indicating a highly mobile population in this income range. Finally, the regression results question the theoretical assumption of non-linearity, revealing almost a linear relationship between development and migration. We project that the high emigration flows from low- and lower-middle-income countries will likely continue for the foreseeable future. In light of this, governments in countries of migrant origin must transition from restrictive migration policies and border controls to strategies that promote sustainable socioeconomic development. By improving the Human Development Index (HDI), migration can shift from necessity to a matter of choice. This approach can unlock the full developmental benefits of migration while contributing to the global objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM).

Abstract:

Ageing, as a phenomenon of profound social significance, has important repercussions. In this work, focused on Spain, the indicators of ageing and population structure are analyzed. This base for demographic analysis is later useful for preparing a sociological essay on the most pressing challenges facing Spanish society, with regard to population ageing. The methodology used, as is usual in the framework of the Social Sciences, involves a combination of the quantitative and qualitative approach. Specifically, from the eminently quantitative perspective, the important methodological shift of the 2021 Population and Housing Census has been taken into account. It also considers how the Statistics on Migrations and Changes of Residence emerge with the aim of measuring the migratory phenomenon between two consecutive censuses, a phenomenon, also, of great social significance in our country. The work culminates with a brief sociological interpretation of the challenges facing Spanish society, as a consequence of the population dynamics studied.

Abstract:

Balanced socio-demographic development is essential for regional resilience and sustainable growth. Forecasting social and demographic processes in the region based on the use of Business Intelligence systems allows for the consideration of a wide range of contradictory and diverse factors and the anticipation of potential scenarios and risks of development. Business Intelligence systems are used for the collection, analysis, and processing of large volumes of data to support decision-making in business, finance, logistics, public administration, and other fields. The goal of the study is to assess the effectiveness of using Business Intelligence systems and geographic information systems (GIS) to achieve balanced socio-demographic development in Kazakhstan. Key indicators include demographic metrics and social infrastructure. The methodology involves the use of analytical platforms such as Power BI and ArcGIS, along with predictive models for forecasting current and future demographic changes. The outcome of the study is a tool for calculating the load on the social infrastructure of Kazakhstan's regions, enabling informed management decisions at the regional level to ensure resilience and balanced socio-demographic growth. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that Business Intelligence systems, integrated with GIS, have significant potential for improving the accuracy of socio-demographic forecasting.

Abstract: This article analyzes the settlement of Haitians and Jamaicans at the state, county, and census tract levels in the two main population centers for these two groups: New York and Miami metropolitan areas. The authors pose the question of whether Haitians and Jamaicans fundamentally differ from African Americans in terms of settlement and socio-economic status. It is established that these two population groups are highly concentrated on a nationwide scale (in the states of Florida and New York) and in some counties (comprising metropolitan areas of New York and Miami). The authors carried out a spatial correlation analysis to identify areas of concentration of Haitians and Jamaicans in the two above-mentioned metropolitan areas. Three distinct Haitian areas, three mixed Haitian/Jamaican, and one distinct Jamaican area are found in New York. In the Miami metropolitan area, three Haitian/Jamaican areas are identified, as well as one Haitian area. The calculation of the Darden–Kamel Composite Socio-Economic Index was used to assess the socio-economic status of these areas and draw a comparison with the concentration of African Americans in these areas. The analysis revealed that the areas of concentration of Haitians and Jamaicans are relatively disadvantaged in their socio-economic status, but to a lesser extent than those of African Americans. The study also established the following pattern: in the New York metropolitan area, the higher socio-economic status is in the mixed Haitian/Jamaican areas of concentration in the central city, while in Miami, it is observed in the Jamaican areas in the suburbs.

Abstract:

The real birth of Brazil can be traced to the remote Jesuit village of São Paulo de Piratininga, founded in 1554, after arduous efforts to ascend the Serra do Mar. This isolated settlement, inhabited by a mixture of Indigenous peoples and Portuguese colonizers, became the pivotal point for the expansion of Portuguese territory in South America. The people of São Paulo, or paulistas, shaped by their harsh environment and violent history, forged a unique identity. Through their relentless expeditions, the bandeirantes ventured deep into the interior, hunting Indigenous peoples for slavery and expanding the Portuguese domain beyond the boundaries defined by European treaties. This essay explores how the humble origins of São Paulo de Piratininga grew into a force that shaped the modern Brazilian state and its borders.

Abstract: This article examines the profound impact of immigration on Brazil's human capital formation and economic growth from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. It highlights how the influx of European and Asian immigrants filled the labor void created by the abolition of slavery in 1888, fostering agricultural expansion, industrialization, and urbanization. Immigrants brought diverse skills, technologies, and cultural practices that enriched Brazil's socio-economic fabric. The article also compares these historical dynamics with contemporary demographic trends, notably the challenges posed by a declining fertility rate and an aging population. It underscores the necessity of re-evaluating inclusion policies and investing in human capital to sustain economic growth. By drawing lessons from the past, the article suggests that Brazil can navigate current demographic challenges through strategic policy interventions aimed at enhancing human capital as a tool for economic revitalization.

Abstract: Mortality rates are fundamental to understanding the overall health of a population. However, statistics are usually reported using the primary underlying cause of death, overlooking potentially relevant contributing causes listed on death certificates. This paper presents indicators for multiple cause-related mortality in Canada from 2000 – 2022. Deaths from the Canadian Vital Statistics Database (2000 – 2022) were merged with multiple cause files and classified into 136 cause of death groupings. Summary statistics for multiple causes were calculated, including the Standardized Ratio of Multiple to Underlying (SRMU), which is also calculated by neighbourhood income quintile. Age-Standardized Mortality Rates (ASMR) were calculated for the underlying cause of death (ASMRUC) and compared to rates including any mention of each respective cause (ASMRAM). These were then compared to ASMRs based on a contributing-cause weighting scheme (ASMRW). The average number of causes reported on death certificates has increased from 2.79 in 2002 to 3.19 in 2021. Those in the lowest income quintiles have a higher average number of causes (3.31 in 2021) compared to those in the highest income quintile (3.09 in 2021). When employing multiple cause weighting strategies, the rank order of age-standardized mortality rates is significantly elevated for conditions including renal failure, hypertension, pneumonia, septicemia, arterial fibrillation, and artery diseases. Multiple cause-of-death approaches provide further insight into the patterns of mortality and highlight conditions that become leading causes using weighted approaches. This provides evidence to support efforts to address these conditions. There are also differences in multiple causes of death reporting by income quintile which warrants further investigation.

Abstract: The Gulf of Mannar, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, faces severe overfishing and habitat degradation threats. In this study, we investigate the pivotal role of ecosystem services in sustaining local livelihoods and overall well-being. By conducting a comprehensive survey of 480 respondents across two districts, we gathered extensive data on demographics, livelihoods, fishing practices, reliance on ecosystem services, and community management participation. The analysis reveals a critical dependence on the Gulf's resources (income, food security, traditions) with gender disparities (men fish, women in pre/post-harvest), but fishing is only allowed in the 10km buffer zone (not the core zone). The findings emphasize the promise of community-based strategies, such as Marine Protected Areas and reviving co-management committees, for achieving sustainable fisheries management. However, we also identify gaps, including the need for more nuanced well-being indicators and improved models for community management participation. To address these challenges, we advocate for sustainable fishing practices, tackling social inequities, especially gender disparities in resource access and decision-making, and investing in healthcare, education, and social safety nets for fishing communities. Promoting alternative livelihoods can alleviate pressure on fish stocks, and empowering local communities through capacity building and community-based management initiatives is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the Gulf of Mannar ecosystem and the well-being of its dependent communities. This multifaceted approach holds significant promise for balancing ecological health with human prosperity.

Abstract: While in the past, especially numerical approaches such as regression models and p-values were utilized to investigate whether the functional form between age and happiness is linear or U-shaped in a given country, recent advances have shown that such approaches can be misleading, and graphical analyses should amend the analyses. However, these have the downside that they rely to some extent on subjective interpretations and are hardly quantifiable. If applied carelessly, they can be misleading as well. We suggest two easily computed statistics to combine graphical and numerical approaches. We demonstrate their usage with ESS data (N > 440,000) and show how they enable a more nuanced investigation of functional forms. Furthermore, we discuss how statistical uncertainty can be handled in the age-happiness debate and emphasize practical significance, which needs to be kept in mind.

Abstract: The ageing global population and changing labor force participation are having a profound impact on state pension programs worldwide, including Malaysia. However, the effects of an ageing workforce and declining fertility rates are having a significant impact on future trends in labor force participation and the duration of retirement. This paper presents an innovative examination of labor force participation rate (LFPR) forecasting within the context of an aging workforce, utilizing the Lee-Carter and Cairns-Blake Dowd stochastic models, traditionally applied to mortality data. By adapting these models to LFPR data, the study offers a novel perspective on predicting workforce participation trends and understanding the dynamics of retirement planning from year 2001 to 2047. Additionally, by incorporating the mortality forecasts from the United Nations, the research navigates through the complexities of applying actuarial methods to labor economics, revealing differentiated pathways for male and female participation in the labor market and the anticipated length of retirement. This study offers a unique comparison between the Lee-Carter and the Cairns-Blake-Dowd (CBD) LFPR models. It focuses on fitting and forecasting the LFPR of senior employees aged 50 to 64. The results highlighted discrepancies among models that demonstrated evidence of model risk for extended retirement duration.

Abstract: The world population is aging, which along with recent shifts in the labor force participation (LFP), is having a significant longevity influence on state pension programs across the board, including Canada, Finland, Japan, and Germany. Except Japan, these countries have set their statutory re-tirement age at 65, but the impact of aging workforce and declined fertility rates create wonders on the estimate future trends in the LFP, as well as the length of retirement. In this study, we fit the LFP rates of these countries, representing continents from Asia, Europe and North America among the OECD countries, using the Lee-Carter and Cairns-Blake-Dowd (CBD) stochastic models. The es-timates are then used for the projection of future LFP rates (1989-2066), and by combining the mortality forecasts from the United Nations, we project the expected length of retirement (1989-2066). This study provided a novel comparison between the Lee-Carter and the CBD LFP models by fitting and forecasting the LFP rates of senior employees between 50- to 74-year-olds. The results revealed disparities between models that provided proof of the presence of model risk for longer retirement durations. The study findings emphasized the importance for decision-makers in pension industry to have awareness of potential risks and limits associated with the LFP models. The Lee-Carter model outperformed the CBD model even though the CBD model is known for its ac-curate prediction in higher ages. Population aging should be considered in any analysis of the long-term viability of pensions, together with the participation rate trends for a sustainable labor market future.

Abstract: Background: In the 21st century, grandparenthood is a significant phenomenon in the fields of demography, gerontology and sociology. It is mainly explored in the context of ageing, as it is poised to become one of the most significant demographic phenomena and social issues in contemporary South Africa. Therefore, this study examined the determinants associated with grandparents who are parenting as caregivers and the health challenges they are exposed to as a caregiver. Methods: The National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) Wave 5 dataset was utilized, and a total of 302 476 grandparents aged 25 years and older, who reported to be primary caregivers of double orphans, were included in the analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate binary logistics regression were performed to determine the predictors of the determinants of grandparents parenting as a caregiver and their health challenges in South Africa. Estimated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used, and the threshold for statistical significance was established at ρ< 0.05. Results: A majority of the male and female grandparent caregivers are aged 24-34 years, were black Africans (69.8%), had secondary education (46.9%), reported health challenges (HC) (59.7%), with 26.4% reporting headaches in the last 30 days. Logistic regression revealed that grandparent caregivers aged 55-64 years were 8.9 times more likely to report health challenges as compared to those aged 25-34 years. Non-black African grandparent caregivers were found to be 0.61 times less likely to be report health challenges, compared to Black African grandparent caregivers. Those with perceived poor health status were 3.3 times more likely to report health challenges, compared to those with excellent perceived health status. Conclusion: Therefore, there is an urgent need to redesign health interventions to address these health burdens among grandparent caregivers and to take cognizance of providing economic and social support for these vulnerable populations.

Abstract: This study investigates the intricate relationship between Venezuelan migration and urban growth in Colombia from 2018 to 2021. The study employs remote sensing data and social network metrics to uncover migration patterns and their impact on urban expansion. The methodology consists of three stages. Firstly, nighttime satellite imagery is used to analyze year-over-year urban growth in Colombia. Secondly, social network data estimates Venezuelan migration, overcoming challenges of underreporting and informal border crossings. Lastly, an econometric analysis explores the quantitative link between Venezuelan migration and urban growth, integrating socioeconomic variables to address endogeneity. The findings reveal the complex interplay of Venezuelan migration, socioeconomic factors, and urban growth. The study outlines remote sensing analysis, introducing the Anthropogenic Footprint Expansion Index (AFEI) to quantify urban growth. Facebook API data estimates migration trends and explores socioeconomic impacts on urban expansion. The analysis uncovers migration, poverty, aging, and urban population proportion as key factors affecting Colombia's urban landscape. Furthermore, the research underscores how Venezuelan migration affected short-term urban expansion pre- and post-COVID-19. Migration had a notable effect before the pandemic, but this influence waned afterward. The study highlights migration's short-term nature and emphasizes age demographics' role in medium-term dynamics.