Gender and Generational Inequalities In the Face of Demographic Challenges. Part I

Gender is a fundamental dimension of social structure and a key determinant of inequalities in work, family life, and care. Contemporary demographic transformations—including population ageing, persistently low fertility, and growing shortages in care provision—are reshaping gender relations while also exposing and reinforcing existing inequalities. This session invites papers that examine how gender inequalities and care are changing in the context of these demographic challenges.

We welcome empirical contributions that advance theoretical understandings of gender relations, social structure, and demographic change. Papers employing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods are encouraged, with particular interest in studies using large-scale datasets to identify social trends, causal mechanisms, and policy impacts. Comparative and cross-national research is especially welcome.

The session also encourages submissions that adopt an intersectional perspective, exploring how gender inequalities intersect with social class, ethnicity, race, migration, religion, disability, sexuality, urbanicity, and other dimensions of social stratification. Contributions may address unpaid and paid care, work–family arrangements, fertility and family formation, ageing, intergenerational relations, social policy, and the gendered implications of demographic change. Together, the session aims to advance sociological understanding of how demographic transformations are reshaping gender inequalities and care across diverse social contexts.