Revisiting the effect of colonial institutions on comparative economic development
Valentina A Assenova1, Matthew Regele1
1Management Department, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, United States of America.
Plos One
|May 9, 2017
Summary
European settler mortality, influenced by temperature, impacts economic development differently than previously thought. Geography, not just colonial institutions, plays a significant role in historical mortality and current economic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Economic History
- Environmental Science
- Development Studies
Background:
- European settler mortality is a proposed predictor for colonial institutions' impact on economic development.
- Previous research often linked institutional frameworks to long-term economic disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between European settler mortality, temperature, and economic development in former colonies.
- To challenge the prevailing institutions hypothesis by exploring geographical influences.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mortality rates, temperature data, and economic output in former European colonies across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Statistical modeling to assess the interplay between environmental factors and economic indicators.
Main Results:
- European settler mortality rates positively correlated with regional temperatures.
- Economic output showed a negative correlation with regional temperatures.
- The causal effect of colonial institutions on economic development was diminished when controlling for continent and colony independence status.
Conclusions:
- Geographical factors, specifically temperature, influenced historical European settler mortality.
- Geography directly impacts present-day economic output, offering an alternative explanation to institutional theories.
- The institutions hypothesis may overstate the role of colonial governance in explaining economic development disparities.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Econometric Views (EViews)
644
Econometric Views, often stylized as EViews, is a package that merges statistical analysis with econometric studies. It is designed to provide tools for time series analysis, forecasting, and econometric model simulation. The software originated from MicroTSP software and has evolved significantly since its inception in 1981. The history of EViews is marked by a continuous effort to enhance its computational speed and user interface. It was initially developed for large computing systems but...
644
00:52Social Proof
32.5K
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
32.5K
01:29Close Relationships and Culture
281
Culture shapes how people approach attraction, choose partners, and build long-term relationships. While some preferences in mate selection appear consistent across cultures, such as men valuing physical attractiveness and women emphasizing financial resources, cultural contexts influence how these preferences are expressed and prioritized. Marriage extends beyond romantic ideals in many societies and is deeply embedded in social, economic, and religious frameworks.The Role of Culture in Mate...
281
01:26Cultural Influences on Personality
805
Individualist and collectivist cultures emphasize different core values, shaping personality in distinct ways. In individualist cultures, such as those in the United States, England, and Australia, people prioritize independence, competition, and personal achievement. These societies tend to promote self-focused traits, with individuals often reporting higher levels of self-esteem. In contrast, collectivist cultures, commonly found in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America, emphasize...
805
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
379
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
379
01:30Impact of Individuals on Individuals
442
Human behavior is intricately shaped by social influences that arise from interactions with others in diverse contexts. These influences not only mold beliefs and attitudes but also drive the regulation of behaviors through both direct communication and observational learning. The study of these processes falls within the domain of social psychology, which seeks to understand how individuals are affected by and affect those around them.Mechanisms of Social InfluenceDirect social influence...
442