Factors influencing the reproduction in rural areas of the GDR

An examination of regional variations in population reproduction in rural areas of the German Democratic Republic is presented. The methodological aspects of such a study are first examined including the problems associated with collecting potential process data and probabilistic standardization. Data are from a survey of 400 towns and villages in the Potsdam region. Two distinct types of demographic patterns in rural areas are identified and the consequences of these differences are assessed. (summary in GER RUS) (ANNOTATION)