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Why Did the German Bourgeoisie Imitate the Nobility?: a Rational-Choice-Analysis of Bourgeois Behavior in Wilhelmine Germany

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  • Oliver Volckart

    (Institut f³r Wirtschaftsgeschichte, Humboldt-Universitõt zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

In recent years, research often resorted to quantitative examinations in order to answer the question of whether and to what extent members of the bourgeoisie in Wilhelmine Germany imitated the nobility. As such studies disregard many non-quantifyable aspects of bourgeois behavior, it is here rather asked whether there was any reason for emulating aristocrats. Starting out from the assumption of rational utility maximation, the options members of the bourgeoisie had under the institutional conditions of imperial Germany are examined. The hypothesis of the paper is that a rational calculation of costs and benefits predictably led to the decision to imitate the nobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Oliver Volckart, 2002. "Why Did the German Bourgeoisie Imitate the Nobility?: a Rational-Choice-Analysis of Bourgeois Behavior in Wilhelmine Germany," Homo Oeconomicus, Institute of SocioEconomics, vol. 18, pages 501-521.
    • Handle: RePEc:hom:homoec:v:18:y:2002:p:501-521
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