Samenvatting
This paper investigates the relationships between urbanization and long-term economic
growth in the pre-industrial world. To this end, we compiled a novel dataset collecting
all currently available data on urban and rural populations in an Italian pre-unification
state, the Republic of Genoa. Data show the paradoxical coexistence of high urbanization
levels with cyclical Malthusian stagnations. Putting together empirical results and historical
evidence, we interpreted this puzzle, highlighting how a high degree of urbanization could
be the consequence of widespread poverty, rather than a measure of rising standards of
living. To describe this phenomenon, we coined the term “Malthusian urbanization”.
growth in the pre-industrial world. To this end, we compiled a novel dataset collecting
all currently available data on urban and rural populations in an Italian pre-unification
state, the Republic of Genoa. Data show the paradoxical coexistence of high urbanization
levels with cyclical Malthusian stagnations. Putting together empirical results and historical
evidence, we interpreted this puzzle, highlighting how a high degree of urbanization could
be the consequence of widespread poverty, rather than a measure of rising standards of
living. To describe this phenomenon, we coined the term “Malthusian urbanization”.
| Originele taal-2 | English |
|---|---|
| Pagina's (van-tot) | 508–534 |
| Aantal pagina's | 27 |
| Tijdschrift | European Review of Economic History |
| Volume | 26 |
| Nummer van het tijdschrift | 4 |
| DOI's | |
| Status | Published - 2 feb 2022 |
Bibliografische nota
Publisher Copyright:© 2022 The Author(s).