Research Methodology, Data Needs, and Training Efforts
A few sessions focused on the profession of population studies and how it carries
out its work. New methodological approaches, including the use of rapid assessment
techniques and other qualitative approaches, carrying out probabilistic population
projections in the region, data collection and dissemination systems and demographic
training were all discussed.
The discussions on data collection and dissemination gave rise to a general
consensus that censuses will remain the main source of population data and also provide
a basis for developing sample frames for the foreseeable future. However, they will
receive the needed fiscal support only if they meet emerging data needs and if data are
widely made available to stake holders. An especially important area is the lack of
available data suitable for analysing gender issues. In a session on gender, participants
noted that with the passage of time researchers are realising that many types of data
previously made available for both sexes combined need to be disaggregated. In addition,
topics such as unpaid domestic work and childcare, for which little data are available
need greater attention.
Southeast Asia has benefited from a good supply of trained demographers.
However, there is continuing need for governments, donors, and universities to provide
scholarship opportunities within the region. There exists a multiplicity of market
segments each with its particular needs. To some degree, such diverse markets are catered
to by some form of population training. However, demographic training tends to be
limited to 1-2 disciplines within the region. Students still need to be exposed to core
demographic concepts and analytical methods to help them understand the implications
of demographic dynamics and the linkages between demographic dynamics and broader
economic, social and environmental dimensions.