This interdisciplinary specialization examines the inter-relationship between population and social development by drawing on theory and evidence from population studies, economics, anthropology, sociology, history and human ecology. It provides a framework for understanding the relationship between demographic events (e.g., fertility, mortality, population structure and distribution and population mobility) and social policy.
Students will also learn about the dynamics of migration in an historical perspective paying particular attention to its geo-political and economic and social contexts, taking note of its evolving complexity and multi-causal nature.
Migration is not just about economic issues of individual and household livelihood or labour market, it has important political and cultural dimensions that leads us to the current debate on multi-culturalism and Integration of migrants in in receiving countries in Europe and USA. Involuntary/forced migration, whether internal or international, is another area covered by the P&D specialization. You will learn how forced migration is ‘managed’ and how it is being redefined, legally and politically.
The objective of P&D is to contribute to policy debate on social development and social justice in all their manifestations. It is in this context that you learn about the interrelationship between population, livelihood/employment, social provisioning (e.g. in areas of health and education) and mobility/migration.
Courses and readings
For a full description of all specializations, individual courses and indicative readings, please consult Part 3 of the Academic Calendar.