Book Chapter

Life courses as sequences: an experiment in clustering via monothetic divisive algorithms

Billari, F. C., Piccarreta, R.
In: Borra, S., Rocchi, R., Vichi, M., Schader, M. (Eds.): Advances in classification and data analysis, 351–358
Studies in classification, data analysis and knowledge organization -
Berlin [et al.], Springer (2001)

Abstract

We consider the problem of clustering demographic life courses, consistently with the so-called sequence representation. We use a monothetic divisive algorithm, which allows for a better readability of results with respect to the increasingly common approach based on optimal matching analysis. The algorithm eases the interpretation of splitting procedures and determinants of group membership when data represent the occurrence or non-occurrence of non-renewable events. We then apply the algorithm to the transition to adulthood in Italy, using retrospective individual-level data from a Family and Fertility Survey.
Keywords: Italy, classification
The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It's part of the Max Planck Society, the internationally renowned German research society.