Pop digests

PopDigests

PopDigests are short, comprehensive summaries of research results with a link to the original publication (if accessible online). This allows population experts and other interested audiences to be able to easily access information to the latest research results. 

Pexels_Efrem_Efre

Non-traditional upbringing barely affects gender attitudes —Swedish study suggests

New study by Michael Gähler and Livia Sz. Oláh (Stockholm University) finds that in Sweden, broader cultural and social influences outweigh family structure in shaping young people's attitudes toward gender roles.

New study by Michael Gähler and Livia Sz. Oláh (Stockholm University) finds that in Sweden, broader cultural and social influences outweigh family structure in shaping young people's attitudes toward gender roles.

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When it comes to education, parental background beats family structure

Scholars at the University of Turku find that educational systems have only limited power to overcome inequalities rooted in family background—and surprisingly, this pattern remains consistent across national borders.

Scholars at the University of Turku find that educational systems have only limited power to overcome inequalities rooted in family background—and surprisingly, this pattern remains consistent across national borders.

pexels_MarkChaves

Digital nomads: on the move but not for life

Is digital nomadism just a temporary phase of early adulthood, or a lasting way of life? Juul Henkens at Erasmus University Rotterdam studied digital nomads in Bali and found most seek more stability in the future.

Is digital nomadism just a temporary phase of early adulthood, or a lasting way of life? Juul Henkens at Erasmus University Rotterdam studied digital nomads in Bali and found most seek more stability in the future.

Two people at a counseling session, only hands are seen

Mental health and parenthood: striking gender differences

By Kateryna Golovina
As mental health issues among young people rise, it is important to explore how this trend might be connected with declining fertility rates. A new Finnish study reveals a strong link between mental health conditions and the likelihood of becoming a parent. It uncovers striking gender differences in how mental health may shape family formation, especially for young men.

The number of younger people living with a mental health diagnosis in Europe has been rising. How does this influence the transition to parenthood? Researchers from Finland examined the associations between mental health and the likelihood of becoming a parent. 

European Passports

EU free movement and emigration: (De)politicising demographic challenges

by Cecilia Bruzelius
Foreign workers are seen as a lifeline for ageing EU economies. However, the quiet consequences of emigration from Eastern and Southern Europe often go unnoticed. Recent research from University of Tübingen explores how EU institutions and legal frameworks have sidelined the issue—shaping a debate that focuses more on managing inflows than on the costs of outflows.

Recent research by Cecilia Bruzelius shows that the comparative silence at EU level around large emigration and associated redistribution from the EU’s Eastern and Southern Member States to the North-Western can partly be explained by the EU’s institutional framework.

hallway

Equal lifespans: how standardised living conditions erase socioeconomic gaps in mortality

Socioeconomic status is a key determinant of longevity—but does this hold in a setting with equal living conditions? A new study used mortality data of German Catholic monks and finds that the effect of socio-economic status is eliminated in a context with largely standardised conditions.

A recent study of German Catholic monks suggests that when living conditions are equalised, the socioeconomic status loses its influence on health outcomes. 

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Education in Germany failing to help disadvantaged children catch up

Despite hopes that schools foster integration and equal opportunities, new research shows that education in Germany is not helping migrant children catch up. Instead, schools may even widen learning gaps among major migrant groups.

Despite hopes that schools foster integration and equal opportunities, new research shows that education in Germany is not helping migrant children catch up. Instead, schools may even widen learning gaps among major migrant groups.

Woman works on her laptop

Flexible work arrangements not linked to equal division of unpaid work

Despite the promise of flexible work arrangements, a new study of German couples indicates these policies are not linked to a fairer split of unpaid work—mothers continue to shoulder most childcare and housework.

A new study of German couples indicates flexible and remote work policies are not linked to a fairer split of unpaid work—mothers continue to shoulder most childcare and housework, while father's childcare contributions are smaller when using flexibility.

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The lasting toll of housing insecurity: a 15-year perspective

A long-term study by Mary K. Roberts, Aarti C. Bhat and Andrew Fenelon assesses the lasting health-related and economic effects, as well as defining variables of housing insecurity during young adulthood.

A long-term study by Mary K. Roberts, Aarti C. Bhat and Andrew Fenelon assesses the lasting health-related and economic effects, as well as defining variables of housing insecurity during young adulthood.

Woman in deep thought

Research shows connection between climate worries and peoples’ decisions not to have children

A recent study by Elena Bastianelli shows that people’s worries about climate change are linked to lower fertility intentions in Finland, Estonia, and Sweden.

A new quantitative study shows that people’s worries about climate change are indeed linked to lower fertility intentions in Finland, Estonia, and Sweden.