ECTS : 3
Description du contenu de l'enseignement :
Population economics applies an economic perspective to demography or the analysis of human populations. This course will provide an introduction to selected fields and research areas that are relevant for the economic analysis of populations, incl. family economics, migration economics, health economics and the economics of ageing. We will discuss theoretical models that help to explain, e.g., the relevance of economic factors for marriage and divorce, how income and education affect the number of children born in a family and investment in these children, or how pension policies affect younger generations. We will consider relevant empirical studies that test hypotheses derived from these models and discuss how economic insights might help to address some of the major challenges of the 21st century, such as population growth in low-income countries, international migration and population ageing in high-income countries.
Schedule:
1 Family Economics: Partnership formation and dissolution, intrahousehold decision-making
2 Family Economics: Fertility, Intergenerational links
3 Economics of migration: Determinants of migration, internal and international migration, characteristics of migrants
4 Economics of migration: Migrant’s health, family and labour market outcomes
5 Health Economics: Demand for health, health production and healthcare supply
6 Health Economics: Healthcare spending and health insurance
7 Economics of ageing: Older workers, retirement and pensions
8 Economics of ageing: Healthy ageing and long-term care
Compétence à acquérir :
After completing the course, students will have an overview of some of the most important theories in population economics and the empirical evidence supporting or contradicting these theories. They will be able to discuss economic aspects of family formation, fertility, migration, health and ageing. Students will be able to read and critically assess empirical papers on these topics. The course will provide students with the required background for a specialization in health economics, family economics or the economics of ageing for the Master 2 or a Master thesis project in these research areas.
Mode de contrôle des connaissances :
- Presentation of a research paper (30% of the final grade)
- Written final exam (70% of the final grade)