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An assessment of China’s fertility level using the variable-r method

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Demography

Abstract

The fertility level in China is a matter of uncertainty and controversy. This paper applies Preston and Coale’s (1982) variable-r method to assess the fertility level in China. By using data from China’s 1990 and 2000 censuses as well as annual population change surveys, the variable-r method confirms that Chinese fertility has reached a level well below replacement.

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Cai, Y. An assessment of China’s fertility level using the variable-r method. Demography 45, 271–281 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1353/dem.0.0003

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