title: On the intrinsic force of convergence to stability.
abstract: "Observed populations differ greatly in the speed with which they approach the stable form, but what determines rates of convergence is not fully understood.... Here we examine the trajectory to stability, derive a mathematical expression for the force of convergence, and provide an approximate relationship in terms of the mean and variance of the stable net maternity function."  Trajectories for Japan, Togo, and the United States are used as illustrations. (SUMMARY IN FRE)
authors.forename: Y J
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schoen
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000352:Africa, Northern; D000354:Africa, Western; D000569:Americas; D001208:Asia; D003710:Demography; D019049:Developed Countries; D003906:Developing Countries; D005202:Asia, Eastern; D005298:Fertility; D007564:Japan; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009656:North America; D011153:Population; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012106:Research; D014037:Togo; D014481:United States
keywords: Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara; Americas; Asia; Demographic Factors; Developed Countries; Developing Countries; Eastern Asia; Fertility; French Speaking Africa; Japan; Mathematical Model; Models, Theoretical; North America; Northern America; Population; Population Dynamics; Population Size; Research Methodology; Stable Population; Togo; United States; Western Africa; World