This second edition brings together a broad selection of classic and contemporary works in the study of human population and society. Integrating a unique global perspective throughout, the text examines the foundational principles and theories of demography before addressing such topics as the relationship between individual action and demographic phenomena; principles of aging composition; nuptiality and family processes; fertility, mortality, and migration; environmental issues; and population policy concerns. Introductory overviews for each of the ten sections establish common underlying themes and give students a contextual framework for the readings that follow. With twenty-three new readings by Canadian and international scholars and a fully updated pedagogical program, this comprehensive collection is an essential resource for studying population and society.

Frank Trovato is Professor of Demography and Population Studies and a past Director of the Population Research Laboratory at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

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"This is an incredible collection of essays that provides a nice introduction to the field of demography." --Zheng Wu, University of Victoria

"This new edition will stand the test of time. These are appropriately entitled 'essential readings' for students of the twenty-first century. The editor's introductions place the readings in context and bring unity to the collection, profiting from an author who has himself written widely and reached many students over the years." --Roderic Beaujot, University of Western Ontario