Class Demography

The Curricular Unit of Demography is part of the first year of the Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of demographic dynamics and their relationship with social organisation, social needs and public policies. Drawing on key demographic concepts, indicators and analytical methods, it addresses issues such as population ageing, migration, family change, population diversity and territorial inequalities, examining their impact on social problems. The course also develops students' ability to interpret demographic information and use population indicators to analyse social needs, supporting social diagnosis, planning and intervention in Social Work through a critical understanding of social reality and evidence-informed practice.

Not applicable

I - Foundations of Demography Demography: concepts and approaches. Population, society and territory. Demographic and epidemiological transitions. Demography and Social Work. II - Demographic Data and Analysis Demographic data sources. Key demographic indicators. Interpretation of tables, graphs, maps and population pyramids. Critical analysis of demographic information. III - Contemporary Demographic Dynamics Population structures. Fertility, mortality, ageing and migration. Family change and territorial inequalities. Social impacts of demographic trends. IV - Demography, Social Policy and Social Work Demographic challenges for social policies. Migration, diversity and social integration. Social vulnerabilities and demographic projections.

The teaching methodology of the curricular unit is based on a student-centred approach aimed at developing knowledge, analytical skills and the ability to use demographic information to understand social reality. The pedagogical strategies combine the presentation and discussion of the theoretical foundations of Demography with active learning methodologies, namely the analysis of demographic indicators and statistical sources, the interpretation of tables, graphs and maps, practical exercises and the discussion of concrete situations related to population changes and contemporary social challenges. The aim is for students to progressively develop skills in researching, selecting and critically interpreting demographic information, relating population data to the social, territorial and professional contexts of Social Work.

Bandeira, M. L., & Pintassilgo, S. C. (2018). Introdução à Demografia: Trabalhos práticos. Escolar Editora. Castro, E., Martins, J., & Silva, C. (2015). A Demografia e o país. Gradiva. Poston, D. L., & Bouvier, L. F. (2017). Population and Society: An Introduction to Demography. Cambridge University Press. União Europeia (2023). The Impact of Demographic Change in a Changing Environment. Publications Office of the European Union. United Nations (2024). World Population Prospects 2024: Summary of Results. UN DESA/Population Division.