#Econhist papers I (mostly) admire, April 2024

On mining in Peru, cotton in Mozambique, Western customs in China, wartime destruction in London, and proof that Americans are living better than their parents

Every month I handpick and review ten standout papers in economic history. As a paid member, you’ll unlock exclusive access to the complete, curated list.

1. The legacy of coercive cotton cultivation in colonial Mozambique

By Henrique Barros, Rute M. Caeiro, Sam Jones, and Patricia Justino

Research question: The authors investigate the long-term impacts of forced labour on economic decisions and risk-taking behaviours. This study focuses on the coercive cotton cultivation policy enforced in colonial Mozambique from 1926 to 1961, where rural households were compelled to grow cotton under the control of cotton concession companies, with profound effects on their livelihoods and social norms. They ask: How did the forced labour regime, specifically the coercive cotton cultivation policy in colonial Mozambique, affect individual risk behaviour and economic decisions in the long term?

Main results: The main findings of the study reveal significant and long-lasting disparities in risk aversion and agricultural patterns between communities inside and outside the historical cotton concessions. Specifically, individuals in regions unsuitable for cotton production but subjected to the coercive regime exhibit higher risk aversion, are more likely to be farmers, and tend to have more agricultural production destined for commercialization. These impacts are predominantly driven by women, reflecting the gendered nature of the forced labour regime's consequences.

My takeaway: Mozambique’s coercive cotton cultivation, compounded by the migration of men to South African mines, significantly impacted gender roles, leaving women as the main agricultural labour force. This shift not only disrupted traditional farming and economic independence but also placed a substantial burden on women, highlighting the deep societal changes induced by the forced labour policy. But this is not new. The authors would benefit from reading the recent work by Charles van Onselen on Mozambican men’s migration to South Africa’s mines.

2. The Legacy of the Spanish Conquista in the Andes: Mining Mita, Persistent Social Unrest, and Cultural Divergence

By César Huaroto and Francisco A. Gallego

Research question: The authors examine the persistent effects of the Mining Mita, a colonial forced labour system, on social unrest in Peru from its historical origins in 1573 to the present. The authors aim to determine if cultural divergence caused by the Mita is a significant factor behind ongoing social unrest at different periods in Peruvian history.

Main results: The authors found that regions historically affected by the Mining Mita in Peru have sustained higher levels of social unrest over the centuries, linked to the persistent cultural impacts of the colonial forced labour system. Populations in these areas display stronger indigenous identities and a higher attachment to local customs and languages, differentiating them significantly from other regions. This enduring cultural divergence has contributed to ongoing social conflicts and distinct perspectives on development and democracy in Mita-affected districts.

My takeaway: If you’re wondering, like I did, how this paper connects with Melissa Dell’s foundational research on the Mining Mita, it actually shifts focus from economic outcomes to explore the persistent social unrest and cultural impacts in affected regions.