This book explores the challenges population decline presents for
Europe's urban and rural areas. It features recent demographic data and
trends not only for Europe as a whole, but also for selected countries,
and compares growth and shrinkage from a historical as well as a
theoretical perspective. In addition, the book critically reviews
relevant notions from geography, sociology, and public administration.
It also identifies good practices across Europe.
Throughout, theories are complemented with concrete examples and
proposals are made on how to tackle demographic shrinkage in European
cities and villages, from attempts to attract new residents to the
countryside to innovative ways to guarantee public services. In the end,
the authors conclude that solving the challenges caused by population
decline require novel ways of thinking and provide answers to such
future-oriented questions as: how to ensure the quality of life in an
environment that is inhabited by fewer and older people, what
investments are needed, and which actors should be involved.
Managing Population Decline in Europe's Urban and Rural Areas offers
detailed coverage of an underestimated and complex governance issue that
asks for solutions in which citizens have to play an important role. It
concludes that shrinkage requires a rethink of the specific tasks and
roles of government and presents a way forward based on initiatives
currently underway throughout Europe. The book will be a valuable
resource for population policy makers as well as students and
researchers interested in human geography, urban planning, rural
development, European studies, public administration, and other social
sciences.
