Essential for an understanding of the major social, economic and political issues of the 1990s, facts about the changing structure and underlying trends of Britain's population also have a direct influence on policy and decision making in central and local government. Britain's Population presents a broad overview of the most important population changes in the past, the principal characteristics of contemporary population patterns, and likely future trends. Examining key features of population changes over time, Stephen Jackson considers issues of fertility, mortality and migration, and attitudes to marriage and family formation - examining trends such as the 'baby boom' of the 1960s. Relating changes in the past to contemporary features, Jackson explores current trends which include: 'double income no kids yet' partners, the thirty-something mother, the plight of the single parent family, and problems of an ageing and dependant population. Examining the future of the welfare state alongside demographic trends, Jackson argues that planning for the future requires accurate knowledge about the present and a clear understaning of the factors that determine population change. Britain's Population is not only an invaluable introduction to demography and population studies; this book also offers topical insights into British society.