Title: Demographic issues and data needs for mega-city research.

POPLINE Document Number: 128051

Author(s):

Goldstein S

Source citation:

In: Mega-city growth and the future, edited by Roland J. Fuchs, Ellen Brennan, Joseph Chamie, Fu-chen Lo, and Juha I. Uitto. Tokyo, Japan, United Nations University Press, 1994. :32-61.

Abstract:

Serious deficiencies related to conceptual issues and data needs continue to confront researchers engaged in demographic research upon megacities. Deficiencies include basic concerns such as the accurate delineation and measurement of the size and composition of megacity populations. Others relate to the demographic processes which affect megacity growth, the dynamics of the labor force, and the linkages between megacities and smaller urban and rural places. Population movement is a key variable related to all of these issues. It is, however, particularly important to refine the concepts related to the urban/rural dimensions of population distribution, especially as they relate to classification of who is to be counted as a resident and functioning member of megacity populations, and the types of population movement which affect short-term and long-term populations of megacities, including permanent in-migration, circular or repeat migration, and commuting. The list of research needs remains long and complex. Data sources and limitations, issues of definition, migration and megacity development, and data collection and analysis are discussed.

Keywords:

Global
Urbanization
Urban Population
Demographics
Needs
Action Research
Data Sources
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Urban Population Distribution
Population Distribution
Geographic Factors
Population
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Demography
Social Sciences
Economic Factors
Research Methodology