An Introduction to Demography

This chapter defines and describes the field ofDemography demography (or population studies). It explains the demographic perspective and what it meansMean to view the world through “demographic eyes.” It describes what is unique about demographyDemography and how it is differentiated (and is akin to) the “hard” sciences and other social sciences. The idea of “demography as destiny” is explored, and the mutually influential aspects of demographyDemography and social trends are examined. Demography as an applied science is emphasized.