Publications > Policy Research Division Working Papers > Working Paper No. 207

No. 207, 2005

Bongaarts, John and Griffith Feeney. "The quantum and tempo of life-cycle events," Policy Research Division Working Paper no. 207. New York: Population Council. (PDF)

Abstract

This study develops and applies a general framework for the analysis of the period quantum and tempo of life-cycle events, extending methods developed previously by the authors. The existence of tempo distortions is demonstrated in selected period quantum measures such as the total fertility rate and in period tempo measures such as life expectancy. A tempo distortion is defined as an undesirable inflation or deflation of a period quantum or tempo indicator of a life-cycle event, such as birth, marriage, or death, that results from a rise or fall in the mean age at which the event occurs. Period measures derived from life tables are also found to be subject to distortion. Methods to remove these tempo distortions are then developed and applied.



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30 November 2005