Population Dynamics and Developmental Challenges: Global Experiences In the Time of Uncertainties

Many countries are undergoing through phase of demographic transitions, moving from high birth and death rates to lower ones. Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea, and Singapore have recorded low birth rates and low death rates typically experience slower population growth. Few countries in Global South such as China and India have also experienced low fertility rate and bulge in youth population due to advanced industrialization, high standards of living, and well-established healthcare systems. This demographic transition influences social and economic development of countries. The discussion of pace and nature of demographic shifts in the last couple of decades often revolves around the implications of an ageing population and declining birth rates in developed countries, contrasting with youthful populations in some developing nations. Social demographers, development economists and sociologists have debated the recent changes in demographic structures in developed and developing countries and highlighted a combination of factors for population dynamics and development such as rapid urbanization and sustainable development, women’s economic empowerment, increased health care facilities and raising concerns of social and gender inequalities. The impact of population dynamics on climate change and vice versa has been a growing concern for sociologists and economists. Some scholars argue that population growth exacerbates environmental issues, while others emphasize the importance of sustainable consumption patterns and technological innovation in mitigating environmental challenges. Papers are invited from social demographers, researchers and social scientists to discuss country wise experiences of changing population dynamics and its relation to development from Global North to Global South.