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After this brief general introduction, the dominant theory among demographers, the demographic transition, is presented (Chapter 1). The following two chapters focus on the developmental consequences of changes in age structures caused by the demographic transition. Chapter 2 is devoted to one of its avatars, the demographic dividend. Likewise, the National Transfer Accounts methodology (Chapter 3) makes it possible to study intra-family transfers between generations and, as such, is part of the reflection on structural changes related to age. Fertility and nuptiality (Chapter 4) determine population dynamics. Particular attention is given to one of the variables that regulate fertility: contraception (Chapter 5). The other major driver of the dynamics is mortality. In a book that is centered on the relationship between population and development, morbidity and therefore health could not be neglected (Chapter 6). Although the demography of developing countries is the focus of this book, it was important to include an in-depth analysis of the situation in Europe, from the 16th to 20th century (Chapter 7). This choice is clearly justified by the fact that at the beginning of that period, Europe was truly underdeveloped. A historical approach is therefore useful to help better understand the economic, social, cultural and political dynamics at work – today and in the past – in migration with in developing countries. As for current migration, Chapter 8 provides a broad overview of migration flows from countries of origin and migration stocks residing in immigration countries where employment prospects are better. While developing countries are associated with the idea that they suffer from the burden of young populations that must be fed, cared for, educated and soon to be employed, it seems paradoxical to raise the question of their aging (Chapter 9). In fact, with an undeniable decline in fertility, developing countries will in turn enter into an aging process. But, while the management of old age is largely socialized, the elderly in Asia, Latin America and even more in Africa will have to be economically supported by their children. Table I.3 summarizes the main contributions of the chapters.

To conclude this introduction, we should mention that in general the chapters present the problem, the hypotheses retained and the sources used. A “general” section provides useful statistical or demographic data. Where appropriate, the following geographical levels are distinguished: global, continental, some of the main sub-regions of the three continents, and countries are classified according to level of development (developed countries, developing countries and least developed countries). Finally, the chapters include one or more in-depth case studies that focus on a country, sub-region or a particularly important scientific sub-topic (Table I.3).

Table I.3. Chapter titles and in-depth case studies

Chapter title	Case study
Introduction: Demographic Dynamics (Charbit)	Malthus and development
1. The Demographic Transition (Cosio Zavala)	Latin America and the Caribbean
2. Demographic Dividend and Dependency Ratios (Turbat)	Sub-Saharan Africa
3. From the Demographic Dividend to Generational Economics (Dramani)	Dividend profiles in Africa
4. Fertility and Nuptiality (Charbit)	Precocious nuptiality
5. Contraception and Reproductive Rights (Dasgupta)	Reproductive rights
6. Mortality and Health, the Factors Involved in Population Dynamics (Gaimard)	Mortality of women and children
7. Dynamics of Migration History in Western Europe (Moch)	Migratory systems
8. Current International Migrations (Feld)	The emigration of the highly qualified workforce
9. Aging (Sandron)	Three models: Cuba, Age-Friendly Cities, Sub-Saharan Africa