The new demography of the 21st century: part 2 – gender gaps and population bulges – what demography means to the corporate planner

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal a surprising global drama now unfolding across the world: unpredicted demographic trends portend unexpected social transformations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using recent research, the paper considers the startling implications of some current demographic trends.

Findings

Marketers and strategists need to radically rethink their mindsets based on new trends. For examples, the world population is aging in an unprecedented way.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to note that trends in demography can be particularly misleading and can reverse suddenly.

Practical implications

Many widespread assumptions based on previous demographic trends now seem to be misguided. For example, India seems very likely to become the world's most populous country by 2030.

Originality/value

Surprising current trends and factors include: by 2020 the global middle class will swell by as many as 1.8 billion, a third of them in China alone; Beijing expects that it may have as many as 40 million frustrated bachelors by 2020; and the population of the 50 least developed countries is expected by the UN to grow from 800 million to 1.7 billion by 2050.

Citation

Walker, M. (2009), "The new demography of the 21st century: part 2 – gender gaps and population bulges – what demography means to the corporate planner", Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 31-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/10878570910926043