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Where have (almost) all the wealthy gone? Spatial decomposition of wealth trends in France, 1820-1939

Author

Listed:
  • Jérôme Bourdieu

    (Paris School of Economics, INRA, Paris)

  • Marta Menéndez

    (Université Paris-Dauphine, Paris et Paris School of Economics, INRA)

  • Gilles Postel-Vinay

    (Paris School of Economics, INRA et EHESS, Paris)

  • Akiko Suwa-Eisenmann

    (Paris School of Economics, INRA, Paris)

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of wealth distribution in France during the urbanization process of the nineteenth century, based on a comprehensive dataset of individual inheritances. It presents a spatial decomposition between rural and urban areas, distinguishing Paris from other cities. We use a non-parametric approach based on wealth density functions. Changes in the level of wealth explained most of the spatial evolution of wealth during 1820-1939; at the turn of the century however, the effect of urbanization on wealth distribution increased gradually.

Suggested Citation

  • Jérôme Bourdieu & Marta Menéndez & Gilles Postel-Vinay & Akiko Suwa-Eisenmann, 2008. "Where have (almost) all the wealthy gone? Spatial decomposition of wealth trends in France, 1820-1939," Review of Agricultural and Environmental Studies - Revue d'Etudes en Agriculture et Environnement, INRA Department of Economics, vol. 87(2), pages 5-25.
    • Handle: RePEc:rae:jourae:v:87:y:2008:i:2:p:5-25
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    wealth distribution; decomposition; semi-parametric and nonparametric methods;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • H20 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - General
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure

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