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Theory of the distribution of city sizes: Review and prospects

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Author Info
Harry Richardson
Abstract

Richardson H. W. (1973) Theory of the distribution of city sizes: Review and prospects, Reg. Studies 7, 239--251. The distribution of city sizes may be represented by any one of three similar statistical relationships: the lognormal, Pareto and ranksize distributions. This paper surveys existing and suggests new theories capable of generating one or more of these distributions. The types of theory analysed include hierarchy, stochastic, economic and allometric growth models. Specific attention is focused on two new possibilities, Markov chain models of interurban migration and capital flows and a simultancously multiplicative theory. However, the predictions of all the models are too insensitive for any one to be preferred via comparison of actual and predicted size distributions. A satisfactory explanation probably needs to draw upon both systematic and stochastic factors.

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Publisher Info
Article provided by Taylor and Francis Journals in its journal Regional Studies.

Volume (Year): 7 (1973)
Issue (Month): 3 (September)
Pages: 239-251
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Handle: RePEc:taf:regstd:v:7:y:1973:i:3:p:239-251

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Related research
Keywords: City size distribution; Pareto; Rank-size; Lognormal; Hierarchy; Stochastic; Proportionate effect; Economic models; Markov chain; Simultaneously multiplicative theory;

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References listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
  1. von Boventer, Edwin, 1970. "Optimal Spatial Structure and Regional Development," Kyklos, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 23(4), pages 903-26.
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  1. Trudy Ann Cameron, 1986. "On Designing a One-Stage "Behavioral Model" to Explain City Sizes," UCLA Economics Working Papers 409, UCLA Department of Economics. [Downloadable!]
  2. Diego Puga, 1996. "Urbanisation Patterns: European vs Less Developed Countries," CEP Discussion Papers dp0305, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE. [Downloadable!]
  3. Mark Lorenzen & Kristina Vaarst Andersen, 2007. "The Geography of the European Creative Class A Rank-Size Analysis," DRUID Working Papers 07-17, DRUID, Copenhagen Business School, Department of Industrial Economics and Strategy/Aalborg University, Department of Business Studies. [Downloadable!]
  4. Ricardo Machado Ruiz, 2004. "As Estruturas Urbano-Regionais Do Brasil E Estados Unidos Comparadas: Um Estudo Exploratório," Anais do XI Seminário sobre a Economia Mineira [Proceedings of the 11th Seminar on the Economy of Minas Gerais], in: João Antonio de Paula & et alli (ed.), Anais do XI Seminário sobre a Economia Mineira [Proceedings of the 11th Seminar on the Economy of Minas Gerais] Cedeplar, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. [Downloadable!]
  5. John Parr, 1976. "A class of deviations from rank-size regularity: Three interpretations," Regional Studies, Taylor and Francis Journals, vol. 10(3), pages 285-292, November. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  6. Ricardo Machado Ruiz, 2004. "As Estruturas Urbanas Do Brasil: Uma Análise A Partir Do Tamanho Das Cidades," Anais do XXXII Encontro Nacional de Economia [Proceedings of the 32th Brazilian Economics Meeting] 122, ANPEC - Associação Nacional dos Centros de Pósgraduação em Economia [Brazilian Association of Graduate Programs in Economics]. [Downloadable!]
  7. Goerlich, Francisco José & Mas, Matilde, 2008. "Sobre el tamaño de las ciudades en España. Dos reflexiones y una regularidad empírica," MPRA Paper 15798, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised Jun 2008. [Downloadable!]
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