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Agrarian Origins of Individualism and Collectivism

Author

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  • Martin Fiszbein
  • Yeonha Jung
  • Dietrich Vollrath

Abstract

This study examines the influence of agricultural labor intensity on individualism across U.S. counties. To measure historical labor intensity in agriculture, we combine data on crop-specific labor requirements and county-specific crop mix around 1900. Potential endogeneity of agricultural labor intensity is addressed using climate-induced variation in crop mix. Our estimates indicate that a one standard deviation increase in labor intensity is associated with a reduction of 0.2-0.3 standard deviations in individualism (as captured by the share of children with infrequent names). We further document significant changes in individualism over time using within-county changes in labor intensity due to mechanization and the boll weevil. We also show that historical agricultural labor intensity continues to influence geographic variation in individualism today.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Fiszbein & Yeonha Jung & Dietrich Vollrath, 2022. "Agrarian Origins of Individualism and Collectivism," NBER Working Papers 29643, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:29643
    Note: DAE POL
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohanty, Aatishya & Saxena, Akshar, 2023. "Diarrheal disease, sanitation, and culture in India," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 317(C).
    2. Choi, Jaerim & Lim, Sunghun, 2023. "Ostrom Meets the Pandemic: Lessons from Asian Rice Farming Traditions," 97th Annual Conference, March 27-29, 2023, Warwick University, Coventry, UK 334543, Agricultural Economics Society - AES.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N51 - Economic History - - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment and Extractive Industries - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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