Migratory chains in the configuration of mining communities in Spain in the 19th century: Linares

Documento de Trabajo #2306

Título: Migratory chains in the configuration of mining communities in Spain in the 19th century: Linares

Autor/es: Andrés Sánchez Picón, Víctor Antonio Luque de Haro, María del Carmen Pérez Artés y María José Mora Mayoral

Abstract: This research examines the migration in Linares during the third quarter of the 19th century, with a focus on migratory chains. Linares was among the Spanish cities that received the highest influx of immigrants during the mining boom, resulting in a population increase of nearly six times within 30 years. Using the population register of the city in 1873 as the primary source, which consisted of more than 22,500 individuals, this study confirms the usefulness of the migratory chains approach for analyzing internal migrations in both the pre-industrial era and the early stages of industrialization. Thereby, it is proven that social capital had a considerable impact on determining migratory flows to Linares. The impact of the migrants’ places of origin on the spatial distribution of the migrant population and their occupational specialisation in the destination city is significant. This outcome highlights how migratory chains have facilitated the provision of information and the reduction of costs associated with searching for housing and employment.