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Geography, land inequality and regional numeracy in Europe in historical perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Joerg Baten

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Ralph Hippe

    (European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC))

Abstract

We find a relationship between geographic factors and numeracy in more than 300 regions of Europe around the year 1900. We argue that the distribution of land ownership is a plausible mechanism, given that it is related to the geographic factors under study. Consistent with theoretical studies in the Unified Growth Theory framework, we find that inequality in land distribution has a negative correlation with human capital formation as landowners did not have incentives to promote educational institutions or were not willing to pay the necessary taxes. This study explains a substantial share of the differences in development gradients between rural European regions in a historical perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Joerg Baten & Ralph Hippe, 2018. "Geography, land inequality and regional numeracy in Europe in historical perspective," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 79-109, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jecgro:v:23:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s10887-017-9151-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10887-017-9151-1
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality; Land distribution; Human capital; Regional development; Europe;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N93 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure

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