Economic Theory of Optimal Population

We are used to calling most developing countries overpopulated and consi­ dering some industrialized countries (like West Germany) "threatened by underpopulation". Analogous population policies with different objecti­ ves are discussed. However, none of the measures suggested can be justi­ fied or evaluated without an implicit concept of optimum population, a notion which has attracted attention ever since economics was made a science. The relevance of the subject and the recent rise in interest by popula­ tion economists has motivated the organization of a conference on "Opti­ mal Population" in Bielefeld, where most of this book originates. Finan­ cial support for the conference and the publication of this book by the Thyssen Foundation and the editorial help provided by John De New and Contents Optimum Population: An Introduction K. F. Zimmermann ......... . I. Optimal Size and Growth Rate of Population Socially Optimal Population Size and Individual Choice M. Nerlove, A. Razin, and E. Sadka . . . . . . . 19 Endogenous Population With Discrete Family Size and a Capital Market D. Leonard .................. .