Demographische Ursachen langfristiger Wachstumszyklen? Fragen zur Konzeption ökonomischer Zyklustheorien

Abstract

The scepticism regarding long-term cycles/waves/oscülations and thrusts in economic development has not prevented a fresh discussion about Kondratiev in the Federal Republic of Germany. Demographic factors as possible causes have hitherto been given httle attention in theories of long-term growth cycies, although it should be obvious that, at least formaUy observed, two generations correspond approximately to one Kondratiev cycle. Cyclical oscülations in population size, labour force and the consumer-labour ratio may be caused by unique occurrances and special influences. The concept of demographic structure cycles appears to be a suitable contributing factor in explaining long-term waves. If one operates with theories of long-term waves at all, one must surely do so with reference to demographic factors! Demographic structure cycies ought to be taken into consideration in future empirical research of long-term waves in the gross national product and in unemployment.