Methods of demographic estimation for statistically underdeveloped areas

Abstract

The two main new approaches to generate data--surveys and sample registration--do not exhaust the full range of possible sources of information on demographic processes that may be considered as alternatives to the traditional census and vital registration system. Continuous population registers, longitudinal panel studies, or intensive observation of small populations utilizing all available tools for recording demographic facts (as is customary for instance in intensive anthropological field work), are additional examples for non-conventional approaches to obtain demographic data. But, because of their cost, their overly specialized nature, or because of their narrow range of applicability, they are of limited interest as possible solutions for a pervasive absence of adequate demographic statistics. Accordingly, the discussion that follows is organized under two main headings. One examines methods based on cross-sectional data, either from censuses or from surveys, or from both, while the other focuses on methods utilizing data collected in sample registration areas, typically linked together with census-type recording systems in various ways. Preceding these two sections is a discussion of some general demographic models that are utilized extensively in applying either of the two unconventional approaches.