Population Studies Department
Institute of Economics

Research Projects since 2001:

Efficiency of Social policy as Regards Replacement of Generation and Health Promotion (2001-2003)

The research was aimed to find out eventual linkage between the state’s social policy during the 1990s and dynamics of reproductive processes.

The main findings

During 1^st year of the project a survey among parents of newborns on their motivation to enlarge family was carried out (N=889).

In 2003 a qualitative survey was carried out among mothers who returned to job before the child was 1.5 years of age.

Migration and its Consequences in Latvia after joining the EU (2004-2007)

Since Latvia has joined EU and 3 of its previous member states accept labour force from new member states, it is quite possible that number of Latvians working abroad could increase. As the most mobile use to be young people massive emigration may well cause losses in population of fertile age and consequently number of births. Or vise versa – temporary job abroad with comparably high earnings might result in additional births on return to homeland.

Up to now there were carried out several surveys on the desire to leave Latvia for the West forever or on certain period regardless of respondents’ eventual previous stay there. Additional research started by Institute of Economics in 2004 is devoted to experience of Latvians who have learned or worked abroad or continue their stay by certain reasons, further plans as regards some more travels and use of the earnings.

Those who up to now have no such experience were also questioned to compare the main social characteristics, further plans and eventual use of the earnings of different groups: disposed to going abroad or not, having already been there or not, etc.

Parts of research programme Aging of the Population: its Biomedical and Social Aspects:

Prolongation of Individuals’ Active Life (2002-2005)

The main aim of the research is to find out eventual consequences of the extension of new technologies in Latvia for the population’s life style and health as well as methods used to adapt to these changes. Results of the research could be used in working out strategies for prolongation of active life both for individuals and the generations currently in active age.

Up to 2005 two surveys were carried out:

1. Representatives of certain professional groups, those numbers are actually on rise or likely to remain constant, were questioned about their work-load, usage of new technologies both at work and home, their health, actual and desired leisure activities. Altogether 707 filled – in questionnaires were collected, 40-90 representatives from each of the chosen professional groups: computing professionals, accountants, finance and sales professionals, civil servants, office clerks, shop salespersons, education teaching professionals, medical doctors and nurses, drivers and some students.
2. A qualitative survey among persons at age 55 to 70 years was devoted to their experience and views as regards retirement as well as their activities besides employment. Altogether 119 formalized interviews were collected from women and men both-actually retired and yet working, and with different levels of education.

Research cooperation

Prostitution and trafficking in women in Latvia at the Threshold of the New Century (2001)

The curried research was worked out in the frame of the IOM Project: “Trafficking in Women and Prostitution in the Baltic States: Social and Legal Aspects”.

Authors obtained unpublished data from the National Border Guard, the Labor Inspectorate of the Welfare Ministry, the National Employment Service, the Information Center of the Interior Ministry and the Vice Squad.

Women’s Attitude to family and Marriage in Latvia (2001)

The research was initiated and supported by George Washington University (USA), questionnaire prepared by its associated professor Daina Stukuls-Eglitis.

The sample was formed in the capital Riga, smaller towns and rural areas proportionally to the distribution of inhabitants and share of Latvians among them. Altogether 218 properly filled - in questionnaires were got.