The missionhuman capital transmission, economic persistence and culture in South America

Resumo

This article examines the long-term consequences of a historical human capital intervention. The Jesuit order founded religious missions amongst the Guarani, in modern-day Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Before their expulsion in 1767, missionaries instructed indigenous inhabitants in reading, writing and various crafts. Using archival records, individual and municipal data, I show that educational attainment was and remains higher (by 10-15%) 250 years later, in areas of former Jesuit presence. These educational di erences have also translated into 10% higher incomes today. The positive e ect of Jesuit missions emerges after comparing them with abandoned Jesuit missions and Franciscan Guarani missions. The enduring e ects observed are consistent with cultural transmission mechanisms of occupational persistence, structural transformation, and technology adoption in agriculture.

Ficha do documento

Tipo

Outro

Ano

2017

Instituição

Fundação Getulio Vargas

Fonte

Repositório da FGV

Idioma

Inglês

Acesso

Não informado

Identificador

oai:repositorio.fgv.br:10438/24798

Temas

Economia

Palavras-chave

Economic persistenceHuman capitalCultureReligionMissionsInstitutionsStructural transformationIndustrial specializationTechnology adoptionEconomiaFinançasCapital humano