References to the second demographic transition (SDT) concept/theoretical framework have increased dramatically in the last two decades. The SDT predicts unilinear change toward very low fertility and a diversity of union and family types. The primary driver of these changes is a powerful, inevitable and irreversible shift in attitudes and norms in the direction of greater individual freedom an...

Contents 1. Introduction 2. Harsh criticisms, at times unwarranted 3. The main ingredients 3.1 The evidence 3.2 Interpretation 4. A false dichotomy 5. Some real weaknesses 6. Three central propositions 6.1 The chronological sequence : mortality decline, followed by fertility decline 6.2 A model of the reproductive transition in two phases : restriction of marriages, followed by limitation of bi...

Abstract Using data from various sources, this paper discusses the recently documented below replacement level fertility in India context of universality marriage girls, most which are arranged by parents, and increase their mean age at marriage, mainly due to decrease child marriage. There is virtually no divorce rate, cohabitation, or voluntary childlessness, except for some anecdotal evidenc...

Abstract Asia is now, predominantly, a continent of ‘low’ fertility—one the features Second Demographic Transition. Across continent, this feature our population has sprouted concern and anxiety, primarily expressed in macroeconomic terms. Low fertility directly linked to twin challenges aging stagnation/decline. We know, however, that maximizing human capital institutional reform much more eff...

This article traces the demographic contributions of island studies scholarship in four sections. First, demographic transition theory is applied to the population history of the region. The second highlights the impact of this demographic scholarship on related social science fields in the Caribbean. The third and fourth contributions focus on the impact of migration on two related hypotheses:...