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What About the Bell-shaped Relationship Between Primacy and Development?

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  • André Lemelin

    (INRS- Urbanisation Université du Quebéc 3465 rue Durocher Montréal Quebec CANADA H2X 2C6)

  • Mario Polèse

    (INRS- Urbanisation Université du Quebéc 3465 rue Durocher Montréal Quebec CANADA H2X 2C6)

Abstract

This paper proposes, estimates, and tests a “no-frills†static two-equation recursive model, where the size of the largest city depends on the level of development in a two-step relationship, with the total urban population intervening as an intermediate variable. The model has the following implications for primacy: (1) contrary to Richardson and Schwartz's (1988) assertion, primacy is indeed related to development, albeit indirectly, but (2) the relationship does not display the bell shape predicted by the El-Shakhs-Mera hypothesis. Instead, primacy as a function of development decreases monotonically at a decreasing rate. Research assistance was provided by Atib Salhi.

Suggested Citation

  • André Lemelin & Mario Polèse, 1995. "What About the Bell-shaped Relationship Between Primacy and Development?," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 18(3), pages 313-330, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:inrsre:v:18:y:1995:i:3:p:313-330
    DOI: 10.1177/016001769501800303
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mera, Koichi, 1973. "On the Urban Agglomeration and Economic Efficiency," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 21(2), pages 309-324, January.
    2. Alperovich, Gershon, 1992. "Economic Development and Population Concentration," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 41(1), pages 63-74, October.
    3. Mutlu, Servet, 1989. "Urban Concentration and Primacy Revisited: An Analysis and Some Policy Conclusions," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 37(3), pages 611-639, April.
    4. Parr, John B., 1985. "A note on the size distribution of cities over time," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 18(2), pages 199-212, September.
    5. De Cola, Lee, 1984. "Statistical Determinants of the Population of a Nation's Largest City," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 33(1), pages 71-98, October.
    6. William Alonso, 1980. "Five Bell Shapes In Development," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(1), pages 5-16, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Junius, Karsten, 1997. "The determinants of urban concentration," Kiel Working Papers 835, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).

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