Life expectancy at birth has doubled from an average of 30 years to 65 years. Population continues to be one of the most important issues facing society. Barely a week goes by without some mention of population issues in the media. Stories on less developed countries continue the debate of when the 'population explosion' will end, and how the world can cope with so many people. Despite advances in technology, poverty and ill-health still are widespread.
Cities are overcrowded, with fewer houses and jobs available.
Read any article on environmental degradation and population growth is likely to be cited as contributing to the problem. Closer to home, concern centres on declining and ageing populations in Europe. Another recurring theme is changes in the nuclear family. Unmarried couples living together, increasing divorce and more single parent families are population trends bemoaned regularly by some media commentators. The answer is through the study of population sciences.