Urban and demographic transitions in Belgium in comparative perspective

This paper is an attempt to analyse the relationships between demographic and urban transitions using long-term historical data from Belgium (1841-1976), and compare these transitions with that of Sweden (1750-1955). The methodology differs from previous analyses in that it identifies the respective roles of fertility, mortality and migration in the transition. While nuancing the role of urban mortality in triggering early demographic transition, results reinstate migration as the major component of urban transition. Theoretical consequences on the role of economic changes in urban and demographic transitions are then drawn.