统计学之我见

一位中国研究生曾经问我,统计学的主要目的是什么?我引用一句毛泽东的话作为回答,那就是“实事求是”。我知道毛泽东在讲这句话时不是针对统计学而言的,但我认为这句话确实概括了统计研究工作的特点和真正目的。“求是”是我们对客观世界某些方面的认识或探索,“实事”要求我们从实际数据出发从而得到这些认识。     

生活的艺术

一个明智的人早晚总会发现,生活是欢乐与悲哀、成功与失败、给予与获得的聚合体。他懂得能不为琐事而大动肝火对于成功是至关重要的。他懂得不善驾驭自己情绪的人总会有所失。他懂得摆出好斗的架势最易导致冲突。他     

凯恩斯经济学的新生

1980年时,人们毫不清楚凯恩斯经济学在90年代会有什么样的命运。当时凯恩斯思想似乎永远地离开了宏观经济学界,成为一去不复返的历史。著名思想家罗伯特·卢卡斯甚至著书立说,认为“40岁以下的经济学家几乎没有人将自己或自己的著作与凯恩斯主义联系在一起。在研究中,人们不再严肃地对待凯恩斯的理论”,从而宣告了“凯恩斯经济学的死亡”。从今天的观点来看,这一仆告明显宣布得过早。凯恩斯理论不再引起人们的指责和嘲笑,许多40岁以下的经济学家将自己称为凯恩斯主义者。如果说1980     

Self-generated fertility waves in a non-linear continuous overlapping generations model

In this paper, Samuelson's simplified version of the Easterlin theory (Samuelson 1976) is extended to a continuous-time model with three age groups. This approach enables one to apply the qualitative theory of non-linear differential equations to show the existence of Easterlin-type cycles. In contrast to the discrete time model we obtain information about the period length of the cycle.This research was supported by the Austrian Science Foundation under grant P6601.     

The impact of international migration on fertility: an econometric population model

The authors develop an econometric model to examine the impact of migration on fertility in Greece in the period 1968-1986. In the model, the fertility equation is considered within a simultaneous equation system, and international migration is included as an explanatory factor of both fertility and per capita income. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA)     

Demographic behavior: controlled fertility

The current status of fertility and its control in France is reviewed. Consideration is given to changes in contraceptive usage, nuptiality, educational status and fertility, birth timing and spacing, and female labor force participation. The author notes that fertility has not declined significantly since the mid-1970s. Fertility differentials by geographical region and occupation are also considered.     

Temporary versus permanent population mobility in Melanesia: a case study from Vanuatu

A case study of temporary and circular Melanesian population mobility and labor migration focuses on the island of Paama in the Republic of Vanuatu (an archipelago of 80 islands) in Melanesia and on urbanization, which is a relatively recent phenomena. A critical analysis is provided of temporary and permanent migration and methodological inadequacies in explanations of mobility. Mobility is neither a cause nor a result of economic, social, and political change; it is the interrelationship among the general structural setting, people's personal and social environment, and their perceptions and actions. In the case of Paamese mobility, changes appeared in the source of migration and destination areas. There was a period of original land acquisition, when migrants returning from Queensland with tools were the only ones who could actually acquire land. Inequalities of land access date from this period. The population is dependent on external income sources as well as the need for plantation migration and a huge increase in bridewealth. Concurrently, "kampani" or community work, which ensures the continuous authority of local chiefs and village elders, creates problems for those seeking work for their own families. These conditions encourage out-migration. Rapid urban growth began in the 1960s with a diversified economy. Employment opportunities were available for women; single employee residence spaces declined. This meant families could permanently settle in urban areas. Retirement benefits were also available and contributed to securing permanent migration. There were growing needs for a stable, skilled labor force. Another change was the abolishment of the tripartite colonial administration. Rural disasters and price declines also triggered urban migration. Migration to the town of Port Vila by Paamese men and women between 1953 and 1982 is analyzed, based on 258 employment related mobility histories collected in 1982-83. Two processes are evident: continued periodic, short-term, rural-based circulation and permanent urban migration among Paamese to Port Vila. A major reversal of mobility is unlikely in the future. The reasons why are indicated.     

The recent socio-economic transformations in Italy and its internal and external migratory movements

Recent migration trends involving Italy are described. The authors note that Italy has changed from a manpower-exporting country to a labor-importing country. Consideration is also given to changes in internal migration patterns.