The Research Center for Social Thought and Policy (TODAM) hosted an important seminar addressing the rapid transformations occurring in Turkey's social structure. The seminar, titled “Population and Family: Tracking Social Change in the New Era,” was held at the foundation's headquarters and evaluated population dynamics and changes in family structure from a sociological perspective, based on current data.

The seminar speaker, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Aysan, gave a comprehensive presentation on the stages of demographic transformation in Turkey, population aging, the effects of migration on the demographic structure, and the reflections of this transformation on social welfare policies.

Aysan emphasized that Turkey is changing at a rate above the world average in terms of both fertility rate and life expectancy at birth. He stated that trends such as aging and low fertility, which were once considered unique to Europe, have now become a common problem on a global scale. She stated that factors such as individualization, urbanization, delayed marriages, increased divorces, and economic insecurity are behind the phenomenon of fewer children and more elderly people. In contrast, she said that developments in health and education have reduced mortality rates and extended life expectancy.

Aysan emphasized that “population aging is both the success and failure of the welfare state,” pointing out that this process must be evaluated from both perspectives. He pointed out that the increase in the elderly dependency ratio, public pension expenditures, and elderly poverty poses serious risks in terms of current social policies. However, he stated that it would be insufficient to address the process solely within the framework of risk, adding that dynamics such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and migrant labor opportunities could be transformed into opportunities for rebuilding social justice and welfare with the right policies.

Following the presentation, a question-and-answer session was held with participants from public institutions, academia, media, and civil society organizations to discuss policy design for Turkey's demographic future.