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What can we learn about the embeddedness of commercial relationships from the study of powers of attorney?: (France, 18th-19th centuries)

Author

Listed:
  • Fabien Eloire

    (Centre lillois d'études et de recherches sociologiques et économiques)

  • Claire Lemercier

    (Centre de sociologie des organisations)

  • Veronica Aoki Santarosa

    (University of Michigan)

Abstract

This working paper gives the preliminary results of a research project on the uses of notarized powers of attorney in four large French commercial cities in the 18th and 19th centuries. Powers of attorney are often considered as symptoms of trust. We use them to test hypotheses on the embeddedness of commercial relationships. We find little support for the idea of an evolution from embedded to anonymous relationships. We therefore explore alternative hypotheses centered on the complementarity between embeddedness and formality; the importance of repeated interactions; and a broad homophily driving merchants to choose fellow merchants as proxies.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabien Eloire & Claire Lemercier & Veronica Aoki Santarosa, 2016. "What can we learn about the embeddedness of commercial relationships from the study of powers of attorney?: (France, 18th-19th centuries)," Sciences Po publications info:hdl:2441/1qj79hnvh79, Sciences Po.
    • Handle: RePEc:spo:wpmain:info:hdl:2441/1qj79hnvh79ggpmoddpe0p1im2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Greif,Avner, 2006. "Institutions and the Path to the Modern Economy," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521480444.
    2. Santarosa, Veronica Aoki, 2015. "Financing Long-Distance Trade: The Joint Liability Rule and Bills of Exchange in Eighteenth-Century France," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 75(3), pages 690-719, September.
    3. Douglass C. North, 2005. "Introduction to Understanding the Process of Economic Change," Introductory Chapters, in: Understanding the Process of Economic Change, Princeton University Press.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

    procuration; mandat; notaires; power of attorney; form of proxy; merchants;
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