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. 

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 SES 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. While socioeconomic disparities in mortality are well-documented for the general population, monastic life seems to eliminate the disadvantages associated with low socioeconomic status.

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.

Pexels_KetukSubiyanto

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.

Pexels_Arthur Krijgsman

Growing up in change: How family shifts influence children's education outcomes

How do changes in human capital inside households, like parents pursuing new degrees or family shifts like divorce or the loss of a parent shape children’s education outcomes? Finnish researchers reveal that fluctuations in household human capital often fail to enhance children’s educational prospects.

How do changes in parents' lives, like pursuing new degrees or family shifts, shape children’s education? Finnish researchers reveal how household dynamics influence schooling outcomes.

Yan Krukau

Expanding public childcare alone may not fully integrate mothers into the labour market

A new study by Sophia Fauser, Emanuela Struffolino and Asaf Levanon compares mothers’ employment biographies in East and West Germany right before and some years after first childbirth.

A new study by Sophia Fauser (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Emanuela Struffolino (University of Milan) and Asaf Levanon (University of Haifa) compares mothers’ employment biographies in East and West Germany right before and some years after first childbirth.

pexels.

The genetic basis of fertility, family and longevity

Published in Nature Aging, a new review by researchers from Oxford Population Health and the University of Iceland reveals how DNA shapes reproductive health, fertility, and even life expectancy.

Published in Nature Aging, a new review by researchers from Oxford Population Health and the University of Iceland reveals how DNA shapes reproductive health, fertility, and even life expectancy.

Age-positive image library

Mapping kinlessness in Europe: Patterns and implications

The study by Marta Pittavino, Bruno Arpino and Elena Pirani provides extensive and updated evidence of the prevalence of kinlessness – the absence of close kin – among older adults in 26 European countries and Israel.

The study by Marta Pittavino, Bruno Arpino and Elena Pirani provides extensive and updated evidence of the prevalence of kinlessness – the absence of close kin – among older adults in 26 European countries and Israel. 

Kelly_Pexels

No passport, more pollution: Why citizenship means environmental privilege in German cities

A new study finds: Non-nationals who live in German cities are exposed to more air pollution and have less access to green spaces than nationals. Income level does not seem to factor into this. But there is a third variable which correlates: anti-foreigner sentiment.

A new study finds: Non-nationals who live in German cities are exposed to more air pollution and have less access to green spaces than nationals. Income level does not seem to factor into this. But there is a third variable which correlates: anti-foreigner sentiment.