Cooperation, Fairness, and Rational Altruism in the Making of the Modern Living Standards. The Case of Maresme (1853-2022)

Documento de Trabajo #2304

Título: Cooperation, Fairness, and Rational Altruism in the Making of the Modern Living Standards. The Case of Maresme (1853-2022)

Autor/es: José Luis Martínez-González

Abstract: Can attitudes and beliefs within each community, as well as their social capital, explain some of the differences in their development? Conducting a macro study in the Maresme region using data from the Contribution Territorial, which includes 5,412 agricultural farms, 2,537 owners, and 13 municipalities (1853-1864), we find levels of rational altruism approaching 50%, confirming recent evidence from experimental economics studies. A particularly interesting finding is the correlation between the most altruistic municipalities 160 years ago and those today with higher levels of human capital and per capita family income, as well as the influence of certain study variables on the prosocial behavior of local oligarchies. This result suggests that the attitudes, beliefs, values, and informal rural rules of the past are factors that complement the quality of national institutions today. Economic history not only helps to explain the origins and different trajectories of local economic development, but, more importantly, informs us that investing in regional policies that promote community spirit is a worthwhile endeavor for the future.

Recomendados

Argentina Banking System in the Interwar Period: Stylized Facts in the Light of a New Database, 1925-1935

Documento de Trabajo #2303 Título: Argentina Banking System in the Interwar Period: Stylized Facts in the Light of a New Database, 1925-1935 Autor/es: Sebastian Alvarez and Gianandrea Nodari Abstract: This article

Transition and Change in World Agriculture during the Interwar Years

Documento de Trabajo #2109 Título: Transition and Change in World Agriculture during the Interwar Years Autor/es: Vicente Pinilla and Henry Willebald Abstract: The years between 1914 and 1950 beheld huge disruptions in

EXCESS FEMALE MORTALITY IN EARLY INFANCY? MISSING GIRLS IN CIUDAD REAL AND GUADALAJARA, 1840-1899

Documento de Trabajo #2201 Título: Excess female mortality in Early Infancy? missing girls in Ciudad Real and Guadalajara, 1840-1899 Autor/es: Enrique Llopis, Gloria Quiroga, Felipa Sánchez Salazar, Ángel L. Velasco,

FROM MASSIFICATION TO DIVERSIFICATION: INEQUALITIES IN THE CONSUMPTION OF DAIRY PRODUCTS, MEAT AND ALCOHOLIC DRINKS IN SPAIN (1964-2018)

Documento de Trabajo #2202 Título: From Massification to Diversification: Inequalities in the Consumption of Dairy Products, Meat and Alcoholic Drinks in Spain (1964-2018) Autor/es: Pablo Delgado and Vicente Pinilla Abstract: From

Inequality of Opportunity in Access to Secondary Education in 19th Century Spain

Documento de Trabajo #2106 Título: Inequality of Opportunity in Access to Secondary Education in 19th Century Spain Autor/es: Pau Insa-Sánchez Abstract: This paper explores access to secondary education in 19th-century

Socioeconomic status and adult mortality in the West. From late 18th century to the present

Documento de Trabajo #2302 Título: Socioeconomic status and adult mortality in the West. From late 18th century to the present Autor/es: Víctor A. Luque de Haro Abstract: This paper presents a