Edith Gray

The School Transition Estimation and Projection (STEP) model: A flexible framework for analysing and projecting school enrolments

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 18-06-2023

DOI: 10.1002/PSP.2681

Abstract: Accurate school‐level enrolment predictions are critical for local government and planners to allocate education‐related resources and ensure necessary school infrastructure is provided. Although in idual‐level school census data are increasingly available for education departments, there is little evidence that these data are being used to improve school enrolment projections. This paper fills this methodological void by developing a School Transition Estimation and Projection (STEP) modelling framework. The STEP model simultaneously projects all schools in a city or region by all academic levels (e.g., Preschool to Year 12) and across three school sectors (Public, Catholic and Independent) using cohort information on the sources of enrolment change (i.e., Preschool entries, within district transfers, in‐migration, out‐migration, Year 12 graduates) and their trends over time. In this paper, we present the model and its application to schools in the Australian Capital Territory. We also show how the model greatly increases the capacity to understand and predict enrolment change, while increasing efficiency and reducing bias.

High and growing disapproval of sex-selection technology in Australia

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 06-09-2018

DOI: 10.1186/S12978-018-0577-5

How moving a box changed the religious landscape of Australia

Publisher: Australian Population Studies

Date: 11-11-2018

DOI: 10.37970/APS.V2I2.39

Abstract: DemoGraphic

Using a reproductive life course approach to understand contraceptive method use in Australia

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 26-10-2010

DOI: 10.1017/S0021932009990381

Abstract: This paper examines contraceptive method use at different stages of the reproductive life course. Previous research on contraceptive practice in developed countries typically applies age as a proxy for reproductive history. While age is an essential and useful life course measure for understanding contraceptive use, investigations of contraceptive practice should also consider parity and fertility intentions, as they may be more accurate measures of reproductive life course stage. Analysis is based on data collected in the 2005 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, a nationally representative s le of women of reproductive age (18–44). For women at risk of pregnancy, the most commonly used methods are easily reversed methods such as the oral contraceptive pill (30%) and condom (23%), medium-term methods such as the intrauterine device and implantation (5%) and permanent methods (7% tubal ligation and 9% vasectomy of partner). Logistic regression models are used to investigate the use of four popular contraceptive methods by parity, age and fertility intentions controlling for socio-demographic factors. The main findings indicate that the use of these methods varies substantially by the stage of a woman's reproductive life course: age, parity and fertility intentions are all associated with method use.

Identifying different sources of school enrolment change in the Australian Capital Territory

Publisher: Australian Population Studies

Date: 22-07-2022

DOI: 10.37970/APS.V6I1.99

Abstract: No abstract

Counting gender and sexual identity in the Australian census

Publisher: Australian Population Studies

Date: 30-05-2021

DOI: 10.37970/APS.V5I1.80

Abstract: No abstract

Toward making sexual and gender diverse populations count in Australia

Publisher: Australian Population Studies

Date: 16-11-2020

DOI: 10.37970/APS.V4I2.69

Abstract: Background Comprehensive data on gender and sexual identity is critical for the planning and delivery of health, education, and social support services. This paper examines ways in which sexual and gender erse populations are being counted in research, with a view to informing discussions about how to represent these populations in future research. Aims To examine approaches used for the collection of data from sexual and gender erse populations in Australia. Data and methods We reviewed nine ex les of large national surveys conducted in Australia over the past ten years and compared the approaches used for collecting data on gender and sexual identity. Results A ersity of approaches and a range of limitations were identified in how these erse populations are counted. The proportions of survey respondents across sex, gender and sexual identity categories, and the types of categories, were also found to vary across studies. Conclusions There is currently no consistent approach for collecting data involving sexual and gender erse populations in Australia despite the need for large-scale surveys that reflect sexual and gender ersity. This paper identifies conceptual and methodological questions for consideration when planning how to capture ersity related to gender and sexual identity.

Taking stock: parents’ reasons for and against having a third child

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 11-2009

DOI: 10.1080/13668800902823599

Having babies in times of uncertainty: first results of the impact of COVID-19 on the number of babies born in Australia

Publisher: Australian Population Studies

Date: 22-07-2022

DOI: 10.37970/APS.V6I1.101

Abstract: Background There has been considerable speculation on whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on childbearing behaviour. Based on the experience of other social and economic disruptions, many researchers suggested that births would decline, while others argued that there could be a positive effect. Aims This paper considers the uncertainties associated with the impacts of COVID-19, particularly the relationship between the timing of COVID-19 events and subsequent births. Data and methods Publicly available birth data from birth registers, perinatal databases, and public hospital data were compiled and analysed to document changes in numbers and patterns of recorded births during 2020 and 2021. Results Births declined in 2020 but then rebounded in 2021. Quarterly birth data from New South Wales and Western Australia suggest that the sharpest drop in conceptions occurred in the January-March 2020 quarter. This coincided with the period when the pandemic was first taking off and when uncertainty about the future was at its highest. Conclusions The uncertainty associated with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a noticeable impact on births in 2020. It also shows, where data is available, that this impact was relatively short-lived, and births rebounded in 2021. We note that data is still sparse for Victoria, a state which was substantially more affected by lockdowns.

Childbearing desires of childless men and women: When are goals adjusted?

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2013

DOI: 10.1016/J.ALCR.2012.09.003

Abstract: This paper examines the concept of desired future fertility. Childbearing desires are often conceptualized in the literature as representing an in idual's ideal future fertility where there are no constraints or obstacles to achieve the desired outcome. As such, childbearing desires, unlike fertility intentions, are thought to be relatively unaffected by changing life circumstances. Using a theoretically driven model incorporating goal adjustment, we test whether desires of childless men and women do in fact change over time. Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey (2001-2010) we specifically investigate whether changing life circumstances do effect a change in childbearing desires. We find that age is strongly related to adjusting childbearing desires, as is relationship formation. Desires are however, not greatly influenced by short-term shocks such as an episode of poor health or unemployment, although these events have different effects for women and for men. Overall, the findings are consistent with psychological theories of goal adjustment, that is, in iduals will revise their desires for having children if they perceive that their desires are not likely to be fulfilled.

How tall am I again? A longitudinal analysis of the reliability of self-reported height

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 06-2023

DOI: 10.1016/J.SSMPH.2023.101412

Researching Young Men and Family Formation: Two Stories

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Date: 23-01-2020

DOI: 10.1177/1097184X19895298

Abstract: Young men are underrepresented in Australian research on family formation, especially young men who are nonmarital fathers, and are not university educated. In this pilot project, an interdisciplinary research team (demography, sociology, and gender studies) based in Australia set out to design an approach that would engage this particular group of young men on the topic of family formation. We decided to employ a nontraditional research method (which we call scripts) in order to engage young men indirectly on this sensitive issue. This article does not report on what we found rather, our focus is on gender dynamics involving the research team’s imaginings of masculinity in the research process. We highlight and interrogate the gendered and heteronormative assumptions we made in the research design, anticipating that our experience can inform future research on masculinity and family formation.

Using split-population models to examine predictors of the probability and timing of parity progression

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 18-12-2010

DOI: 10.1007/S10680-009-9201-2

Parental preference for sons and daughters in a Western Industrial setting: evidence and implications

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Date: 07-2007

DOI: 10.1017/S0021932006001477

Abstract: This paper considers whether sex composition of existing children in Australian families is an important factor in parity progression. Using census data from 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001, women are linked with their co-resident children, allowing investigation of family sex composition and its changing impact over time on the propensity to have another child. The study finds that parents are much more likely to have a third and fourth birth if existing children are all of the same sex, indicating a strong preference for children of both sexes. This increased propensity has added around three per cent to the fertility of recent cohorts. The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential impact of sex-selection technologies on fertility. The authors argue that future widespread use of reliable sex-selection technologies might act to increase fertility in the short term, but would lead to a long-term reduction in fertility.

Having a Partner or Living with a Partner: Differences in Life Satisfaction and Mental Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 07-06-2023

DOI: 10.1007/S11482-023-10186-9

Abstract: Using longitudinal data from Australia we compare the wellbeing effects of transitions both into and out relationships, using two different measures of wellbeing: life satisfaction and mental health. We distinguish between the formation, and ending of, three different types of relationships across three years: Living-apart-together (LAT), cohabitations, and marriages. For those in LAT relationships, we find they are quite distinct from other ‘single’ people. Starting, or ending, a LAT relationship has a significant impact on an in idual’s wellbeing. We also find that transitions into relationships, and transitions out of relationships, do not have equivalent effects. Generally, moving from a relationship to being single had a more significant negative impact on life satisfaction and mental health, than moving into a relationship had a positive impact. These findings suggest that having an intimate partner, even one who is not co-resident, is related to higher levels of wellbeing compared to having no partner.

Participation in different types of volunteering at young, middle and older adulthood

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 04-08-2012

DOI: 10.1007/S12546-012-9092-7

Australian attitudes toward sex-selection technology

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Date: 04-2011

DOI: 10.1016/J.FERTNSTERT.2010.11.050

Abstract: Previous research based on analysis of fertility behavior and expressed preferences shows that many Australian parents want both a son and a daughter. However, most respondents to a representative survey of Australians did not approve of IVF or abortion for sex-selection purposes, and most did not think a hypothetical blue or pink pill to select sex of a child should be legal.

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP0772544

Start Date: 04-2007

End Date: 12-2010

Amount: $231,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP0987834

Start Date: 01-2009

End Date: 01-2014

Amount: $580,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP150104248

Start Date: 03-2015

End Date: 12-2018

Amount: $144,948.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP110105019

Start Date: 06-2011

End Date: 12-2015

Amount: $180,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354771

Start Date: 12-2003

End Date: 12-2004

Amount: $20,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP0558818

Start Date: 2005

End Date: 12-2007

Amount: $85,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP0663459

Start Date: 2006

End Date: 12-2008

Amount: $490,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Negotiating The Lifecourse: Longitudinal Research Into Work And Family Transitions And Trajectories

Start Date: 2009

End Date: 2013

Funder: Australian Research Council

Negotiating The Life Course: Education, Work, Family And Lifestyle Behaviour In Australia

Start Date: 2006

End Date: 2008

Funder: Australian Research Council

Australian Population Research Network: Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations In Research On Australia's Population Transformations And Their Social, Economic And Environmental Implications

Start Date: 2003

End Date: 2003

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100049

Start Date: 05-2011

End Date: 12-2012

Amount: $600,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989083

Start Date: 2009

End Date: 12-2009

Amount: $550,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council