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The Role of Human Capital in the Process of Economic Development: The Case of England, 1307-1900

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  • Alexandra M. de Pleijt

Abstract

Macroeconomic growth models underline the importance of human capital in the process of economic development. This analysis introduces a new proxy for human capital, which is educational attainment, and examines cohesion between education levels and growth for England between 1307 and 1900. The empirical evidence suggests no significant result between basic skills, such as reading and writing abilities, and growth of per capita GDP. More progressive human capital levels, as measured by average years of higher education, seem to have contributed to the process of development until the mid-eighteenth century.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra M. de Pleijt, 2011. "The Role of Human Capital in the Process of Economic Development: The Case of England, 1307-1900," Working Papers 0021, Utrecht University, Centre for Global Economic History.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucg:wpaper:0021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Blog mentions

    As found by EconAcademics.org, the blog aggregator for Economics research:
    1. L’innovation n’est pas liée à l’éducation mais à l’intelligence
      by Mises Institute in Contrepoints on 2021-10-08 02:30:26
    2. Human capital and economic growth: taking the long view
      by kevin denny in Kevin Denny: Economics more-or-less on 2012-01-26 16:28:56

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    Keywords

    Economic development; human capital; history of education; England;
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