Hardback
The Political Economy of Population Ageing
Population ageing has been the subject of much discussion in recent years, often expressed in alarmist language that advocates evasive policy action to avert an imminent demographic crisis. This forward-looking book evaluates the debates surrounding population ageing and offers a more optimistic outlook on its effect on the economy.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
Population ageing has been the subject of much discussion in recent years, often expressed in alarmist language that advocates evasive policy action to avert an imminent demographic crisis. This forward-looking book evaluates the debates surrounding population ageing and offers a more optimistic outlook on its effect on the economy.
William Jackson initially considers general theoretical approaches to population ageing, particularly in relation to the rising dependency burden. He then goes on to examine traditional topics such as employment, productivity, pensions and social security, along with less traditional topics such as informal care, within the context of long-run structural changes. The author draws on an extensive range of economic literature and considers neoclassical arguments before analysing the issue from a non-neoclassical economic, social gerontological and sociological perspective. He maintains that conventional economic theory tends to overstate the effects of population ageing on the economy. Thus, he argues that while population ageing is a complex issue requiring some policy adjustments, it is a less acute problem than is suggested in popular and academic discussion.
This book will be of great importance to scholars and students with an interest in population economics and the economics of social policy.
William Jackson initially considers general theoretical approaches to population ageing, particularly in relation to the rising dependency burden. He then goes on to examine traditional topics such as employment, productivity, pensions and social security, along with less traditional topics such as informal care, within the context of long-run structural changes. The author draws on an extensive range of economic literature and considers neoclassical arguments before analysing the issue from a non-neoclassical economic, social gerontological and sociological perspective. He maintains that conventional economic theory tends to overstate the effects of population ageing on the economy. Thus, he argues that while population ageing is a complex issue requiring some policy adjustments, it is a less acute problem than is suggested in popular and academic discussion.
This book will be of great importance to scholars and students with an interest in population economics and the economics of social policy.
Critical Acclaim
‘. . . the new book by William Jackson brings a breath of fresh air . . . One of the main merits of this book is the breadth of issues and areas covered . . . The author draws on extensive literature, and presents a wide range of views, opinions and theories. This makes the book useful for both specialists, who follow closely the field, and for students and those just entering the discipline, who are in need of a text presenting a broad overview of the issues involved in population ageing . . . Overall, this is a thought-provoking book, which offers an alternative view on the economic and social implications of population ageing, and is therefore a valuable addition to the literature on the subject.’
– Nikolai Botev, Economics of Planning
‘. . . it is heartening to find a book that covers the range of issues in a comprehensive manner and also provides a very good set of references. To anyone with an interest in the topic, this volume deserves to be added to your library.’
– David M. Knox, Australasian Journal on Ageing
‘. . . a very good book on the economic implications of population ageing, covering a wide range of recent works written on the subject.’
– Pierre Pestieau, Southern Economic Journal
‘. . . this new book by William Jackson brings a breath of fresh air . . . The author draws on extensive literature, and presents a wide range of views, opinions and theories. This makes the book useful for both specialists, who follow closely the field, and for students and those just entering the discipline, who are in need of a text presenting a broad overview of the issues involved in population ageing. . . . this is a thought-provoking book, which offers an alternative view on the economic and social implications of population ageing, and is therefore a valuable addition to the literature on the subject.’
– Nikolai Botev, European Journal of Population
‘This book is very timely and meets a rising demand for knowledge about the field. It is well written and easily accessible to a wider audience, and will attract attention and shape our understanding of population economics.’
– Klaus F. Zimmermann, University of Munich, Germany
– Nikolai Botev, Economics of Planning
‘. . . it is heartening to find a book that covers the range of issues in a comprehensive manner and also provides a very good set of references. To anyone with an interest in the topic, this volume deserves to be added to your library.’
– David M. Knox, Australasian Journal on Ageing
‘. . . a very good book on the economic implications of population ageing, covering a wide range of recent works written on the subject.’
– Pierre Pestieau, Southern Economic Journal
‘. . . this new book by William Jackson brings a breath of fresh air . . . The author draws on extensive literature, and presents a wide range of views, opinions and theories. This makes the book useful for both specialists, who follow closely the field, and for students and those just entering the discipline, who are in need of a text presenting a broad overview of the issues involved in population ageing. . . . this is a thought-provoking book, which offers an alternative view on the economic and social implications of population ageing, and is therefore a valuable addition to the literature on the subject.’
– Nikolai Botev, European Journal of Population
‘This book is very timely and meets a rising demand for knowledge about the field. It is well written and easily accessible to a wider audience, and will attract attention and shape our understanding of population economics.’
– Klaus F. Zimmermann, University of Munich, Germany
Contents
Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Ageing and Dependency 3. Population Ageing and Neoclassical Economics 4. Alternative views of Population Ageing 5. Productivity and Employment 6. Pensions and Retirement 7. Health Care and Social Services 8. Informal Economic Activity 9. Conclusion
