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Communal lands and social capital: A case study

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  • Daniel Oto-Peralías

    (Department of Economics, Universidad Pablo de Olavide)

Abstract

This paper explores the link between the historical presence of communal goods and the emergence of social capital. I conduct a survey to compare individuals from a town where communal lands have persisted since medieval times with individuals from neighboring-similar towns. I find that individuals exposed to communal lands have higher local social capital as they trust their neighbors more, have more local altruism, are more interested in local politics, and have a better knowledge about the town’s politics and history. Importantly, the effect is mainly present in individuals with family roots in the town, and there is no evidence of a positive effect on social capital beyond the local community.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Oto-Peralías, 2023. "Communal lands and social capital: A case study," Working Papers 23.09, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pab:wpaper:23.09
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    common lands; social capital; history; Spain.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N36 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Latin America; Caribbean
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers

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