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Surnames in Local Newspapers and Social Mobility

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  • Massimo Baldini

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

  • Andrea Barigazzi

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate social mobility by introducing an innovative data source: surnames in newspapers. The core hypothesis posits that frequent mentions in newspapers are indicative of greater social relevance. Through the collection of local newspaper data in the municipality of Modena, Italy, from 1921 to 2011, we examine variations in the relative representation of surnames in newspapers with respect to their presence in registry data. The results suggest that surnames in newspapers are not a random sample of the population, supporting the assumption that they reflect social significance. Surnames belonging to privileged groups exhibit a higher representation compared to other social groups. This higher relative representation seems to be transmitted to future generations and converges over time toward the mean, with variations depending on the considered high-status group. This kind of analysis could contribute to identifying different mobility patterns at the local level and represents a useful alternative when established data sources, such as income, education, and occupational data, are not available.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimo Baldini & Andrea Barigazzi, 2024. "Surnames in Local Newspapers and Social Mobility," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 174(3), pages 859-879, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:174:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s11205-024-03415-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-024-03415-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Newspapers; Social mobility; Surnames; Elites;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • N34 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: 1913-

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