Zeitschriftenartikel

Towards an integrated understanding of demographic change and its spatio-temporal dimensions: concepts, data needs and case studies

Klüsener, S., Szołtysek, M., Goldstein, J. R.
Die Erde, 143:1-2, 75–104 (2012)

Abstract

Demographic change is a macro phenomenon, driven by decisions and events at the individual level. However, individual-level events are often influenced by the spatial socioeconomic context in which the actors are embedded. This context usually changes slowly over time, which suggests that the present circumstances depend to a large extent on past developments. In this paper, we outline how a GIS-based empirical research approach can deepen our understanding of the spatio-temporal dimensions of demographic change. This approach can benefit from the concepts and methods of at least three disciplines: demography, geography, and historical sciences. In addition, we describe the recent improvements in the (geo-)data infrastructure, with the goal of overcoming data limitations that have so far restricted research in this field. Three example case studies illustrate the potential of such an approach.

Schlagwörter: Deutschland, Polen, demography, geography, historical demography
Das Max-Planck-Institut für demografische Forschung (MPIDR) in Rostock ist eines der international führenden Zentren für Bevölkerungswissenschaft. Es gehört zur Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, einer der weltweit renommiertesten Forschungsgemeinschaften.