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Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research


Men have fewer children than women

A recent study reveals that men have lower fertility rates than women worldwide. The research attributes this shift to declining mortality rates, narrowing mortality gaps, and sex-selective abortions in some countries. As a result, the proportion of men in the population is increasing, presenting challenges for society.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2026

Weaponizing kinship

A new study examines the magnitude of harm inflicted on Colombians through over 740,000 homicides and enforced disappearances during the conflict. The researchers estimate that approximately 7.5% of Colombians lost a close relative, with women being 20% more likely to have been affected.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateMar 5, 2026

Family as a wealth factor

Researchers found that people who experience certain family events, such as late parents' death or becoming grandparents late, accumulate the most wealth. In contrast, childless individuals, especially those with a late parents' death, outperform others in the long run. The study suggests that individual wealth is linked to the broader...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalSocial Forces·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 23, 2024

Hardest hit by heat

A new study analyzing US data from 1993 to 2005 found that extreme heat disproportionately affects racial minorities, with a higher excess death rate for Non-Hispanic Blacks compared to whites. The study's findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to shield vulnerable populations from growing temperature dangers.

Mind the gap: Italian moms with 3+ kids work far fewer years than dads, while Finland shows equality

A study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that Italian mothers with 3+ children have a significantly shorter working life (7.6 years) compared to fathers (18.3 years). In contrast, Finland shows minimal differences in working life between mothers and fathers, with both working for pay for about 17.4 years.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalEuropean Journal of Population / Revue européenne de Démographie·DateJun 5, 2024

Unveiling the impact of job loss on the health of immigrants

A recent study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that job loss has a more severe impact on the health of immigrants compared to German-born individuals. Immigrants experience a decline in health that worsens with age, especially after experiencing detrimental life events like divorce and unemployment.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2024