From a demographic point of view, there were several changes. Life expectancy, for both men and women, increased substantially due to disease control and a lower infant mortality rate. Fertility levels declined in almost all regions of the world. At the end of the century, demographic transition is universal. These remarkable changes affect population composition in its structure, distribution and family structure.

In all, the 20th century was a century of paradoxes. The development gap broadened. The inequality gaps between different regions and countries and within countries, seem wider. Open unemployment increased very fast in the last quarter of the century. Despite the improvement of life conditions, the absolute figures related to people living under the poverty line also increased, especially in developing countries. As a result of the process of urbanisation, the urban poor increased, together with indigence and violence. It would appear that scientific and technological advances and economic growth were not enough to reduce poverty or improve the people’s quality of life. Globalisation and integration seem to be connected with social exclusion.

These paradoxes deserve our attention and research efforts. The relationship between economic growth, population growth and poverty has always been the object of studies. Yet, there are few conclusive findings on the connections between them.

This session aims at reviving the debate on such connections. I encourage studies or papers that would bring new insights or findings on this issue. A multidisciplinary approach to this issue is welcomed, including analyses from a macro or micro perspective and studies based on country, subregional or regional data.

Some suggested topics for consideration, analysis and debate include:

Population change and income distribution: Is this new evidence of an inverse relationship between population growth and incidence (and intensity) of poverty robust?

Migration and Poverty: What is the impact of international migration on poverty, both in source and recipient countries?

Population and hunger: Despite the global increase in the production of food, portions of the population continue to live in conditions of hunger. What are its causes?

Family size and outcome: What is the relationship between family size and the educational attainments, health and nutrition of their members when longitudinal data is used? What is the effect of family size on gender relations, and the situation of women?

What are the economic, social and demographic consequences of child labour?

What are the economic and social implications of ageing under conditions of poverty? The impact of social policies on poverty alleviation and the impact of social capital and human capital on poverty alleviation: What lessons can be learned?