Academic CentreScope of population policy in Latvia: 1990–2024
Liga Abolina
Ministry of Health
DOI: 10.22364/fg.21.2
Key words: demographic policy, population renewal, concept of family, interdisciplinarity of demography
Abstract
Since the restoration of the independence of Latvia (and even before that) the demographic situation and the elaboration of demographic policy, despite varying intensity and different focuses on problems, have always been on the political agenda.
So far, the focus has been set on promoting the birth rate and improving family wellbeing, with the belief that this support will improve Latvia’s demographic situation. Recently, a common understanding has been reached between the state institutions and researchers on viewing demographic policy as a cross-sectoral policy implemented in multiple policy areas, for example, in education, employment, health, the environment, etc.
It is necessary to strengthen both demography as an interdisciplinary science and scientifically based development of policies; therefore, the author has set the goal of studying the topicality and importance of demographic issues between 1990 and 2024 in order to identify changes in approaches to demographic policy. The task has been set to analyse government declarations since 1990, as well as supplementary documents related to their implementation, in addition to materials available from the Council of Demographic Affairs. To reach the goal and fulfil the tasks set for this study, the author has analysed various historical documents and theoretical findings from recent decades. The author concludes that policymakers should first identify the most important demographic indicators (for example, predictable mortality reduction, fertility improvement, healthy life expectancy etc.) that would be impacted by purposeful policies. Then demographic projections should be conducted to enhance demographic processes using scientifically based predictions. Equally important is the smart management of population renewal and a shared understanding that the implementation of cross-sectoral demographic policy has long-term significance.