[An application of the Gompertz function to the analysis and projection of households by size class]

A technique for representing the distribution of households by size class using the Gompertz function is introduced. "By extension, it may also be used to disaggregate, by size class, an available projection of the total number of households. The technique does not consider directly the dynamic aspects of the family life cycle, however, it has a methodological advantage: it makes use of information usually available in most census publications." The technique is illustrated using international data and data from the Brazilian censuses of 1960, 1970, and 1980. "Finally, the function is used to disaggregate, by size class, a recent projection of households for Brazil. The analyses show that, in fact, the Gompertz function is a consistent model to disaggregate the total number of households by size class. The methods may be useful as a base to develop models to estimate future housing needs according to the size of the dwellings." (SUMMARY IN ENG)