title: Reflections on societal change, adjustments, and responses.
abstract: Building on Davis (1963) and subsequent work, we propose a conceptual framework that provides a guide for the organization of empirical demographic research. Our approach is based on the notion that changes in nuptiality, fertility, and migration are not objectives in and of themselves, but means for reducing welfare gaps - defined as the gaps between actual welfare and that which could be attained with altered demographic and/or other behavior. We clarify theoretical issues concerning three levels of analysis. At the highest level, societal change leads to welfare gaps for families and/or individuals. In turn, behavioral adjustments are made to reduce these gaps. Finally, demographic responses at the community level result when large numbers of families and/or individuals adjust behavior in a particular manner. We consider and exemplify relationships among demographic and other responses in historical, agricultural contexts.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Friedlander
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Okun
mesh_terms: D003710:Demography; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000193:education / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005191:Family Characteristics / Q000208:ethnology; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008393:Marriage / Q000208:ethnology / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011634:Public Health / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011639:Public Opinion; D012922:Social Change / Q000266:history; D012924:Social Conditions / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012945:Social Values / Q000208:ethnology; D012946:Social Welfare / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D012952:Societies / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history; D014171:Transients and Migrants / Q000193:education / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D016387:Women's Health / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence