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Une Théorie Géographique Pour La Loi De Zipf

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  • Denise PUMAIN

    (UMR Géographie-cités)

Abstract

An important literature has focused on then rank size rule and the Zipf’s law without delivering significant results. Among the reasons for this low scientific productivity, one can find ommisions and misunderstandings between different scientific fields, the generalization of physical and mathematical models abusively applied to social science fields and the pure quality of data concerning city size and city growth. In this paper, we use empirical studies throughout the world in order to build a geographical theory on urban systems’evolution. We use a comparative method to examine cities dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Denise PUMAIN, 2012. "Une Théorie Géographique Pour La Loi De Zipf," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 36, pages 31-54.
    • Handle: RePEc:tou:journl:v:36:y:2012:p:31-54
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SYSTEMS OF CITIES; ZIPF’S LAW; URBAN GROWTH; GIBRATS LAW; CITIES’ DYNAMICS;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B29 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Other
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • Y80 - Miscellaneous Categories - - Related Disciplines - - - Related Disciplines

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