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Census-based comparability of data on literacy processes in Western Europe

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  • Gutiérrez, José Manuel

Abstract

A comparative picture of the literacy processes in Western Europe on the eve of and during the Second Industrial Revolution is provided, taking censual literacy rates as a yardstick to measure and compare literacy in different countries. If only partial or insufficient censual data are available, literacy is assessed as if given by full censual data. Four literacy groups result. The area of Western Europe where mass literacy was first achieved was the German-speaking or culturally highly Germanised zone. Britain and Sweden turn out to be in the same cluster as France. The periphery of Western Europe shows the well-known pattern of delayed literacy development.

Suggested Citation

  • Gutiérrez, José Manuel, 2023. "Census-based comparability of data on literacy processes in Western Europe," MPRA Paper 119319, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:119319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kersting, Felix & Wohnsiedler, Iris & Wolf, Nikolaus, 2020. "Weber Revisited: The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Nationalism," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 80(3), pages 710-745, September.
    2. Bernard Baffour & Thomas King & Paolo Valente, 2013. "The Modern Census: Evolution, Examples and Evaluation," International Statistical Review, International Statistical Institute, vol. 81(3), pages 407-425, December.
    3. R. D. Anderson, 1983. "Education and the State in Nineteenth-Century Scotland," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 36(4), pages 518-534, November.
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    JEL classification:

    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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