Estimating long-term socioeconomic inequality in southern Europe: The Barcelona area, 1481–1880
Gabriel Brea-Martínez|Joana María Pujadas-Mora
This article estimates the patterns of socioeconomic inequality in Barcelona area during period 1481–1880 using Marriage License Books from Diocese Barcelona, a unique fiscal source that ranged society nobility, highest level payment, to poor, exempted taxation. These taxes together with social status information each individual allow setting progressivity and an approach human capital. The results show how levels were higher preindustrial periods. However, industrialization deskilling occupational process emergence new working class reinforced disparity due effects proletarianization.
European Review of Economic History