DEMOS, June 2024, Volume 40, Special Issue 5:
State Commission advises ‘moderate population growth’ for the Netherlands
The Netherlands State Commission on Demographic Developments was installed by Dutch Parliament to give insight into the most probable demographic future developments and how this will affect the economy and society at large. The Commission published its report in January 2024. Its main advice is to strive for moderate population growth through a mix of direct (migration restrictions) and especially indirect measures: focusing on defining the type of society and economy that the Netherlands wants to strive for, thereby indirectly steering the composition of future immigration flows accordingly. Read more …
Which world population projection should we trust?
World population forecasts can differ considerably. Why do they differ? The latest population projection models use more non-demographic variables, making the models more realistic but also more uncertain. Read more …
Europeans are united on climate change
Climate change poses a serious threat to the natural, social and economic order and is one of the most pressing global challenges. How do Europeans think about climate change? Have their views changed in recent years? And if so, have the views converged or diverged across Europe? Read more …
Retirement dreams of baby boomers
The so-called baby boomers have now reached retirement age, which has led to widespread speculation about how this generation will approach retired life. Popular media suggests that baby boomers are expected to volunteer, play sports, travel, or even start second careers in retirement. This popular perception does not match with the views of baby boomer themselves. Read more …
The risks and rewards of international retirement migration
Increased life expectancy, better health and more wealth have contributed to the emergence of Dutch pensioners retiring abroad. International retirement migrants approach retirement as a new phase in life and make the most of what the country of destination has to offer, but pay the price of having less frequent contact with family in the country of origin. Read more …
Who decides on women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights?
One of the key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is gender equality. Of particular importance is women’s autonomy regarding sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights. The Generations and Gender Survey provides valuable insight into these issues. Recently collected data shows for various developed regions that decisions on women’s own reproductive health are often a joint decision with a (male) partner. Read more …
Getting a grip on immigration: the citizens’ view
What is the citizens’ view on immigration policy? Should labour migration be given priority no matter what or should governments be more restrictive? The World Values Survey shows that countries with a very high population density are far more restrictive than moderate or low-density countries. Citizens in traditional or new immigration countries show a markedly different attitude. Read more …
