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The Relative Productivity Hypothesis of Industrialization: The American Case, 1820 to 1850

Author

Listed:
  • Claudia Goldin

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Kenneth Sokoloff

    (UCLA)

Abstract
A two-sector model is used to explore the role of the agricultural sector in the process of industrialization. Our hypothesis is that areas industrialize earlier where the wages for females and children relative to those for adult males are initially low. Furthermore, the lower this relative productivity of females and children in the pre-industrial economy, the proportionately more will their relative wages increase, and the higher will be the ratio of manufactured to agricultural goods. The model is used to interpret the conditions that fostered the rapid industrialization of the American Northeast, but not the South, from 1820 to 1850.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Claudia Goldin & Kenneth Sokoloff, 1981. "The Relative Productivity Hypothesis of Industrialization: The American Case, 1820 to 1850," UCLA Economics Working Papers 217, UCLA Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:cla:uclawp:217
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    References listed on IDEAS

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