Pre-modern growth: why? Flashcards
(13 cards)
What demographic characteristics differentiated China from Europe?
China had universal marriage, higher births and deaths, suffered from famines, and had lower real wages due to marriage and fertility institutions.
These characteristics contributed to a different demographic regime in China compared to Europe.
What was a key aspect of Europe’s demographic transition?
Europe was the first to undergo the demographic transition.
This transition involved a significant change in fertility rates and population growth patterns.
What is the formula for defining population growth?
Change in population / Population = Natural rate of increase + Net migration rate.
This formula helps understand the dynamics of population changes.
What factors determine the Crude Birth Rate (CBR)?
- Fertility rates of women
- Marriage rate
- Female age of first marriage (FAFM)
Maximum CBR is about 50/1000 based on traditional communities.
What characterized the Crude Death Rate (CDR)?
CDR was influenced by war, famine, plague, and had sudden peaks as high as 150/1000, 300/1000, or even 500/1000.
These factors contributed to significant fluctuations in mortality rates.
What was the Crude Birth Rate (CBR) in England since 1541?
CBR was approximately 30/100 in the 18th century.
This indicates that fertility was not at its biological maximum during this period.
What are ‘positive’ checks according to Malthus?
Events that increase mortality, such as famine and disease.
Malthus argued that lower average income societies relied on these checks.
What are ‘preventative’ checks according to Malthus?
Events that lower fertility, such as delayed marriage and family planning.
Higher average income societies, like Western Europe, relied on these checks.
How did Allen (2009) explain European economic success?
Higher wages due to preventative checks led to increased labor costs, promoting industrialization and technological change.
This created a path towards K intensive growth.
What was a significant difference in government structures between China and Europe?
China had a very centralized government, while Europe had decentralized governments with powerful aristocracies and merchants.
This difference affected institutional change and economic development.
What is the theory of bandits as proposed by Olsen?
In a world of anarchy, roving bandits monopolize theft through regular taxation, leading to the establishment of stationary bandits and taxation.
This theory explains the emergence of governments and their functions.
What was the significance of the Glorious Revolution of 1688?
It led to credible property rights, protection of wealth, and the transition towards democracy in England.
This transition played a role in the great divergence between Europe and Asia.
What were the empirical effects of the Glorious Revolution?
- Increased government ability to borrow
- Increased capacity to provide services
- Increased government employment
- Increased government investment and infrastructure
These changes enhanced the role of government in society.
