Methodology for population studies and development / edited by Kuttan Mahadevan, Parameswara Krishnan

"Scholars working in population studies, irrespective of their disciplinary affiliations, have to learn much from each other in order to sharpen their methodological tools and enrich their conceptual frameworks. This, undoubtedly has become all the more important in view of the interdisciplinary nature of various dimensions of population. The credit for making the present edited volume available for reference, and thus fulfilling a major requirement, goes to Mahadevan and Krishnan. The two scholars are eminently know and recognised within India and outside because of their seminal contribution to sociology in general and demography in particular." --Indian Journal of Public Administration "A welcome addition to the fast growing literature on demographic and developmental methodology.... Prof. K. Mahadevan and P. Krishnan have demonstrated their great skill in being pointed, succinct, clear and selective.... Social scientists will learn a lot about demographic and developmental methodologies discussed in this book. It will be a boon for evaluators and researchers. The book deserves a place in every library as an important reference compendium for demographers, planners and social scientists." --Social Action The proper study of population, with all of its social ramifications, is essential to the formulation of appropriate development programs in developing countries. In order to evaluate the outcomes and insure effectiveness of developmental activities, research designs and methods are particularly important. This volume studies the interaction between population and development from a holistic perspective, utilizing interdisciplinary methods and stressing both theory and method. In Part I, the contributors present various theoretical-analytical frameworks for the study of social demography and present a scheme of causal models. In Part II, various interdisciplinary methods for population research are discussed, including the mathematical, psychological, sociological, and the systems approach. Further chapters describe a comprehensive model of development and various data analysis techniques. Methodology for Population Studies and Development will interest students in quantitative research methods, demography, anthropology, and development studies, as well as researchers, and policy makers. "Provides a critical interdisciplinary framework highlighting interlinkages and interactions between population and development parameters....Mahadevan′s conceptual framework for studying status of women is quite comprehensive and provides insights into probable causal linkages between status and population parameters." --The Book Review "It is a book for specialists in the area." --Journal of Contemporary Asia "Covers a wide range of conceptual, theoretical, and methodological issues." --Health for the Millions