Model-based demography: towards a research agenda

Courgeau, D., Bijak, J., Franck, R. and Silverman, E. (2016) Model-based demography: towards a research agenda. In: Grow, A. and Van Bavel, J. (eds.) Agent-Based Modelling in Population Studies: Concepts, Methods, and Applications. Series: The Springer series on demographic methods and population analysis (41). Springer, pp. 29-51. ISBN 9783319322834 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-32283-4_2)

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Abstract

This chapter aims to contribute to the debate on the role of model-based approaches, such as agent-based modelling, in the future of demography. First we call attention to the developments of the discipline since the seventeenth century, and we describe its four successive paradigms related to the period, cohort, event-history and multilevel perspectives. We argue that these paradigms are complementary and that demography, since its beginnings, has subscribed to the classical scientific research programme launched by the promoters of modern science. Next, we examine how simulation modelling developing in population sciences recently, may help to respond to three main challenges: how to overcome complexity in social research; how to reduce its uncertainty; and how to reinforce its theoretical foundations. We sketch a model-based research programme for demography, looking specifically at interactions between various population systems. We then show how this approach might conform to the classical scientific research programme, in order to take advantage of its benefits.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Silverman, Dr Eric
Authors: Courgeau, D., Bijak, J., Franck, R., and Silverman, E.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Publisher:Springer
ISBN:9783319322834

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