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The commercialization of labour markets: evidence from wage inequality in the Middle Ages

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  • Claridge, Jordan
  • Delabastita, Vincent
  • Gibbs, Spike

Abstract

This paper moves beyond the focus on ‘average’ wage trends in pre‐industrial economies by examining the broad diversity of pay rates and forms of remuneration across occupations and regions in medieval England. We find that whilst some workers enjoyed substantial growth in wage rates after the Black Death, there was a large group who experienced no real increases. We argue that wage inequality in post‐Black Death England reflects the uneven penetration of market forces across occupations and regions, with deep‐rooted customary structures continuing to shape remuneration. Its findings suggest that a more nuanced approach is essential for understanding the complexities and continuities of pre‐industrial labour dynamics.

Suggested Citation

  • Claridge, Jordan & Delabastita, Vincent & Gibbs, Spike, 2026. "The commercialization of labour markets: evidence from wage inequality in the Middle Ages," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 130438, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:130438
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
    • J42 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Monopsony; Segmented Labor Markets
    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N53 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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