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The Ability in Antiquity of Some Agrarian Societies to Avoid the Malthusian Trap and Develop

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  • Clement Tisdell
  • Serge Svizzero

Abstract

This article presents a simple economic theory (and associated evidence) to explain how some early agriculturally based preindustrial societies developed despite most of their population being subject to Malthusian dynamics. Their development depended on a dominant class limiting its membership and extracting an economic surplus which it could use (among other things) to accumulate capital and advance knowledge thereby adding to this surplus. The evolution of urban centers facilitated this development process. Extraction of the agricultural surplus prevented increased population from dissipating this surplus and curtailing development. Examples are given of early economically extractive and non-inclusive societies which were long lasting. Their persistence is at odds with the views of some contemporary development economists about the development prospects of these types of societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Clement Tisdell & Serge Svizzero, 2020. "The Ability in Antiquity of Some Agrarian Societies to Avoid the Malthusian Trap and Develop," Forum for Social Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(2), pages 202-227, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:fosoec:v:49:y:2020:i:2:p:202-227
    DOI: 10.1080/07360932.2017.1356344
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    Cited by:

    1. Tisdell, Clement, 2018. "The sustainability and desirability of the traditional economies of Australian Aborigines: Controversial issues," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 1-8.
    2. Sergio Cesaratto, 2019. "Heterodox economics and Economic Anthropology: reflections prompted by two books," Department of Economics University of Siena 807, Department of Economics, University of Siena.
    3. Clement Tisdell & Serge Svizzero, 2019. "Unsustainable Mining Development and the Collapse of Some Ancient Societies: Economic Reasons," Post-Print hal-02274889, HAL.

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