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Independent women: investing in British railways, 1870–1922

Author

Listed:
  • Graeme G. Acheson
  • Gareth Campbell
  • Áine Gallagher
  • John D. Turner

Abstract

The early twentieth century saw the British capital market reach a state of maturity before any of its global counterparts. This coincided with more women participating directly in the stock market. This study analyses whether these female shareholders chose to invest independently of men. Using a novel dataset of almost 500,000 shareholders in some of the largest British railways, it shows that women were much more likely to be solo shareholders than men. There is also evidence that they prioritized their independence above other considerations such as where they invested or how diversified they could be.

Suggested Citation

  • Graeme G. Acheson & Gareth Campbell & Áine Gallagher & John D. Turner, 2021. "Independent women: investing in British railways, 1870–1922," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 74(2), pages 471-495, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ehsrev:v:74:y:2021:i:2:p:471-495
    DOI: 10.1111/ehr.12968
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    2. Quinn, William & Turner, John D., 2021. "Riding the Bubble or Taken for a Ride? Investors in the British Bicycle Mania," QBS Working Paper Series 2021/08, Queen's University Belfast, Queen's Business School.

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