How Do We Measure Fertility?
Demographic Methods and Approaches

Dates : June 29 (Mon) - July 3 (Fri), 2026 | 25-hour course

Venue : Seoul Global Center (Jongno-gu, Seoul)

Lecturer

Edith Gray, Ph.D.
(Professor, School of Demography, Australian National University)

Introduction

This course introduces the main demographic approaches used to measure and interpret fertility at the population level. Participants will explore both period and cohort perspectives on childbearing and learn how commonly used fertility indicators are constructed and interpreted. The course examines how these measures help us understand changes in fertility levels, timing, and patterns across populations and over time. Through practical exercises in R, participants will calculate fertility measures using real demographic datasets and learn how to interpret them for research and policy analysis. Activities and guided examples will help participants build confidence in applying demographic methods to the study of fertility.

Participants Requirements

  • Capable of following a graduate-level course in demography, statistics, economics, sociology, or related fields.
  • Basic knowledge of demographic methods and data analysis.
  • Experience with statistical software (R preferred).
  • Laptop with R and R Studio installed.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Understanding of Fertility Measurement Methods
  • Hands-on Fertility Analysis with R Programming
  • Interpreting Fertility Trends for Research and Policy

Sessions

  • Session 1 (Mon): Introduction to fertility measures with R
  • Session 2 (Tue): Calculating and visualising period fertility measures
  • Session 3 (Wed): Analysing cohort fertility
  • Session 4 (Thu): Parity measures and fertility dynamics
  • Session 5 (Fri): Fertility futures

Comments from Previous Participants

The biggest positive of this seminar is bringing in researchers from all the different parts of the world to one single platform and engage them together to learn together which is such a rare feat.

< Demography / PhD Student>

Much practical - it engages participants at all stages, all practical works are based on real data, and real word examples. It is easy to relate with what is done in our respective institutions.

< Statistics Division / Government Officer>

The insights we learned are valuable in advancing research, policy development, and supporting effective public population interventions.

< Population Division / Government Officer>


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