Demographic perspectives for the 1980s

Abstract

Six months from now we will be conducting the 20th Decennial Census of Population and Housing, a billion-dollar project which will provide the basic demographic data for our country in the 1980s. The census will tell us much about what has been happening and where we are going and will certainly form the basis of much of the population data with which nutrition educators will be working in carrying out the charge of the conference concerning nutrition education. I want to touch upon some demographic items of special interest. I shall review population trends in the 1970s and suggest some likely prospects for the 1980s. Demographically, the 1970s has been one of our more interesting decades, breaking with many tradional trends of the past. Our population structure has been under the heavy influences of several major demographic elements-some of which will continue into the 1980s. These elements include: I Large and rapid changes in the birthrate (In the past 50 years we have seen record low rates in the Depression years followed by the post-World War II baby boom and by the current new record lows of the 1970s. These changes have caused a tremendous imbalance in the age structure of the population.) 2 The maturing of the baby boom, which has had a significant impact as this large cohort passes through different stages of life 3 Changes in patterns of marriage, divorce, and family formation 4 The women's movement, which, among other effects, has changed the composition of the labor force as more women enter the labor market and develop careers 5 Changing lifestyles as young people remain single longer and leave the parental home to set up separate living arrangements prior to forming their own families.