DEMOGRAPHY AND ECOLOGY

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 362, S. 129-138

Abstract

Activity during 1960-1965 period in ecological & demographic res is traced on a number of dimensions. For both disciplines a definition of the field is advanced & special emphasis placed upon the various sub-areas of concentration. An outline of recent developments is presented for each subarea of specialization summarizing: (1) what types of conceptual frameworks have been brought to bear against what problems, (2) who are the principal investigators & supporting agencies, & (3) bibliographic locations of the complete analysis & additional related source materials. Recent major advances in human ecology include Duncan's 'ecosystem' approach as a general ecological orientation; the attempts of Sjoberg, Schnore, Bogue & Beale, & others to overcome an historical limitation of temporal & cultural scope in ecological res; & the increased sophistication of census tabulations & cross-tabulations as a spur to more diverse & extensive study. The signif excess of activity in demographic areas over that in human ecology is attributed to the greater interdisciplinary & internat'l nature of demography, & its growing salience for gov'al policy & planning purposes. Foremost developments in demography have stemmed from the fertility & fam planning studies. Intense activity is also noted in the innovations in mathematical demography & methods, interaction of pop & econ growth, & the voluminous production of popular literature stressing pop problems. AA.