社会研究中心系列讲座第61期（线上）

【主题】The“Second Demographic Transition”(SDT): Origins and Diversifications（第二次人口转变：起因与变化）

【主讲人】Ron Lesthaeghe（布鲁塞尔自由大学社会科学与人口学教授）

【时间】2020年12月9日21:00—22:30

【地点】zoom线上

【工作语言】英文

【主办单位】北京大学社会研究中心北京大学国际合作部

【讲座摘要】

This study discusses the origin of the SDT phenomena and its ideational explanations, first in Europe by drawing particular attention to the patterns of fertility postponement and to the educational gradients behind the rises in pre-marital cohabitation.

Leaving Europe, we discuss the completely opposite timing patterns of fertility postponement and rising cohabitation in Latin America and Eastern Asia (esp. Japan, China) together with the prevailing educational gradients in cohabitation in the various regions. Finally, we also draw attention to different modes of partnership formation in Sub-Sahara Africa.

These analyses of SDT diversifications reveal the force of historical path dependency, with a major role played by contrasting forms of lineage and kinship organisation and related positions of women. This occurs in tandem with the differences in the timing of the completion of the fertility transition and degree of fertility control as part of the “First Demographic Transition”.

Furthermore, we propose that the future development re cohabitation will follow the evolution of the “ethics revolution” and increasing acceptability of hitherto stigmatised actions.