Demography

Sergio Della Pergola*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The scientific study of the Jewish population, also known as demography of the Jews or Jewish demography, does not actually claim the status of a distinct discipline. It is an area of specialization focusing on the changing size and composition of Jewish populations and on the determinants and consequences of such changes. This article outlines some of the main concepts, interpretative frameworks, and methodological issues in the field, followed by a short outline of substantive patterns and applied uses of available knowledge. The main scientific rationale for the study of Jewish populations rests with the growing interest in understanding the demography of religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and minorities. Demographic changes provide an important and occasionally indispensable background for an appraisal of Jewish history and cultural experience. Hence, the study of Jewish demography is organically tied to the development of Jewish studies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Jewish Studies
PublisherOxford University Press
ISBN (Electronic)9780191577260
ISBN (Print)0199280320, 9780199280322
DOIs
StatePublished - 16 Dec 2004

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Oxford University Press 2002. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Jewish demography
  • Jewish history
  • Jewish populations
  • Jewish studies
  • Social sciences

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