Research Theme 8

Globalisation and the Population Dynamics of Australia

Convenors: John Taylor and Jeromey Temple

Description | Events

This theme brings together the greatest concentration of population researchers in Australia across disciplines ranging from anthropology and demography to the humanities. Its core interests are built around researchers across CASS producing a combined focus on the social, cultural and economic outcomes of major demographic shifts in Australia along with consideration of their causes and consequences. The study of population ageing and its explanation are key elements with an emphasis on the implications of ageing for future labour supply, housing and consumption patterns. Under the heading of social and cultural dynamics, research is underway on the interaction between work and the income and services support systems, as well as the historic and lived experiences of families and communities in multicultural Australia.

A special interest in the College is placed on the social and economic circumstances of the Indigenous population and how these are impacted by population change. While overall emphasis in this theme is on Australia, strategic security and migration concerns in the region have also required long-term study of demographic trends in Southeast Asia, China and the Pacific. Research on international migration and transnationalism is a particular strength and forms part of the IARU project on Movement of People. Issues here are not just about cultural flows and the creation and transmission of social values, identity and citizenship. Underpinning all of this research is an imperative to remain at the cutting edge of developments in humanities and social science methodologies.

Events

4 April 2008
Closing the Gaps in Indigenous Mortality & Housing: Perspectives from the Social Sciences
Toyota Public Lecture
Speakers include: Dr Elizabeth Sullivan (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, University of New South Wales), Associate Professor Heather Booth (Australian Demographic and Social Research Institute, ANU), Professor Francesca Merlan (School of Archaeology and Anthropology, ANU), Dr Nicholas Biddle (Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU), Dr Will Sanders (Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, ANU), Professor Paul Memmott (Aboriginal Environments Research Centre, University of Queensland). Further details.