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Doux Commerce: Markets, Culture, and Cooperation in 1850-1920 U.S

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  • Max Posch

    (Department of Economics, University of Exeter)

  • Itzchak Tzachi Raz

    (Department of Economics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Abstract

We study how rising market integration shaped cooperative culture and behavior in the 1850–1920 United States. Leveraging plausibly exogenous changes in county-level market access driven by railroad expansion and population growth, we show that increased market access fostered universalism, tolerance, and generalized trust—traits supporting cooperation with strangers—and shifted cooperation away from kin-based ties toward more generalized forms. Individual-level analyses of migrants reveal rapid cultural adaptation after moving to more market-integrated places, especially among those exposed to commerce. These effects are unlikely to be explained by changes in population diversity, economic development, access to information, or legal institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Max Posch & Itzchak Tzachi Raz, 2025. "Doux Commerce: Markets, Culture, and Cooperation in 1850-1920 U.S," Discussion Papers 2503, University of Exeter, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:exe:wpaper:2503
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • N71 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
    • N72 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • R49 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Other

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