Two models for microsimulation of family life cycle and family structure.

2 models are proposed for the microsimulation of the family and analysis of family structure and life cycle. These models were devised primarily for teaching purposes. The families are composed of 3 generations (parents grandparents children). Cohabitation is not considered. The 1st model is governed by a transition mechanism based on the rules of a Markov multidimensional nonhonogeneous chain. The 2nd model is based on stochastic point processes. Input data comprise annual mortality probability according to 1) sex 2) age 3) civil status 4) annual probability of 1st marriage 5) age combinations between the spouses and 6) the probability of having 1 2 or 3 children at 6 months intervals from the previous event (marriage or birth of nth child). The applications of the 1st model are presented using 2 mortality and fertility hypotheses (high and low) and a nuptiality hypothesis (West European nature). The various features of family composition are analyzed according to the duration of a couples marriage and the age of the individual as well as the characteristic features of the individual and family life cycle given these 2 demographic conditions. (authors modified)