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An application of the variable-r method to subpopulation growth rates in a 19th century agricultural population

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  • Corey Sparks

    (University of Texas at San Antonio)

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the differential growth rates of the farming and non-farming segments of a rural Scottish community during the 19th and early 20th centuries using the variable-r method allowing for net migration. Using this method, I find that the farming population of Orkney, Scotland, showed less variability in their reproduction and growth rates than the non-farming population during a period of net population decline. I conclude by suggesting that the variable-r method can be used in general cases where the relative growth of subpopulations or subpopulation reproduction is of interest.

Suggested Citation

  • Corey Sparks, 2009. "An application of the variable-r method to subpopulation growth rates in a 19th century agricultural population," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 21(2), pages 23-64.
  • Handle: RePEc:dem:demres:v:21:y:2009:i:2
    DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2009.21.2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Scotland; variable-r method; subpopulation growth rates; agricultural population;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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