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A View of the Occupational Structure in Imperial and Republican China (1640–1952)

Author

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  • Yongqin Guo
  • Zipeng Zhang
  • Bas van Leeuwen
  • Yi Xu

Abstract

Despite being considered a prime indicator of economic change, the occupational structure does not figure prominently in the debate regarding the economic development of early modern China. One reason is the virtual absence of occupational data before the start of the twentieth century. In this paper, we make a first attempt to sketch the occupational structure between ca. 1640 and 1952 using a variety of unique and rather fragmented occupational sources. We find that the share of persons working in agriculture remained stable until the mid‐nineteenth century, with the share in industry showing some growth thereafter.

Suggested Citation

  • Yongqin Guo & Zipeng Zhang & Bas van Leeuwen & Yi Xu, 2019. "A View of the Occupational Structure in Imperial and Republican China (1640–1952)," Australian Economic History Review, Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 59(2), pages 134-158, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ozechr:v:59:y:2019:i:2:p:134-158
    DOI: 10.1111/aehr.12174
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    Cited by:

    1. Cheng Yang, 2022. "The occupational structure of late Imperial China, 1734–1898: A dissertation summary," Australian Economic History Review, Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(2), pages 176-190, July.
    2. Zhai, Runzhuo & Lou, Zhaohui, 2022. "Chinese agricultural output and TFP: 1661–2019," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 213(C).
    3. Cheng Yang, 2022. "A new estimate of Chinese male occupational structure during 1734–1898 by sector, sub‐sector pattern, and region," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 75(4), pages 1270-1313, November.
    4. Liu, Ziang, 2024. "Wages, labour markets, and living standards in China, 1530–1840," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    5. Chilosi, David & Ciccarelli, Carlo, 2023. "Italy in the great divergence: what can we learn from Engel’s law?," CAGE Online Working Paper Series 667, Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).
    6. David Chilosi & Carlo Ciccarelli, 2023. "Italy in the Great Divergence: What Can We Learn from Engel’s Law?," CEIS Research Paper 562, Tor Vergata University, CEIS, revised 18 Jul 2023.

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