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Beyond Malthus and Ricardo: Economic Growth, Land Concentration, and Income Distribution in Early Twentieth-Century Rural China

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  • Brandt, Loren
  • Sands, Barbara

Abstract

The article reexamines the connection between rural landownership and income distribution in light of recent evidence suggesting economic growth in China in the early twentieth century. The study utilizes a government-organized national survey of landholding and income-earning in 1930s’ China and three household-level village surveys conducted by Japanese researchers in the 1930s. Our investigations produce evidence contrary to the currently held view of substantial (and increasing) income inequality. We suggest an alternative scenario of economic opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Brandt, Loren & Sands, Barbara, 1990. "Beyond Malthus and Ricardo: Economic Growth, Land Concentration, and Income Distribution in Early Twentieth-Century Rural China," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 50(4), pages 807-827, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:50:y:1990:i:04:p:807-827_03
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    Cited by:

    1. Benjamin, Dwayne & Brandt, Loren, 1997. "Land, Factor Markets, and Inequality in Rural China: Historical Evidence," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 460-494, October.
    2. Kumon, Yuzuru, 2022. "How Landownership Equality Created a Low Wage Society: Pre-industrial Japan, 1600-1870," IAST Working Papers 22-138, Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST).
    3. Dexian Chen & Hao Hu & Chengxiao Song & Hang Lv, 2022. "Land Inequality and Its Influencing Factors in Rural China in Modern Times: A Systematic Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-21, July.
    4. Kumon, Yuzuru, 2021. "The Deep Roots of Inequality," IAST Working Papers 21-125, Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST).
    5. Fraser Sugden & Samantha Punch, 2014. "Capitalist Expansion and the Decline of Common Property Ecosystems in China, Vietnam and India," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 45(4), pages 656-684, July.
    6. Chuanhao Tian & Yan Song & Christine E. Boyle, 2012. "Impacts of China's burgeoning rural land rental markets on equity: A case study of developed areas along the eastern coast," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 4(3), pages 301-315, August.

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