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Networks in the premodern economy: the market for London apprenticeships, 1600-1749

Leunig, Tim, Minns, Chris ORCID: 0000-0003-1685-7757 and Wallis, Patrick ORCID: 0000-0003-1434-515X (2009) Networks in the premodern economy: the market for London apprenticeships, 1600-1749. CEP Discussion Paper (956). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK.

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Abstract

This paper examines the importance of social and geographical networks in structuring entry into skilled occupations in premodern London. Using newly digitised records of those beginning an apprenticeship in London between 1600 and 1749, we find little evidence that networks strongly shaped apprentice recruitment. The typical London apprentice did not have an identifiable connection to his master in the form of a kin link, shared name, or shared place or county of origin. The majority of migrant apprentices’ fathers came from outside of the craft sector. Our results suggest that the market for apprenticeship was strikingly open: well-to-do families of all types were able to access a wide range of craft and trade apprenticeships, and would-be apprentices had considerable scope to match their perceived ability and aptitude to opportunity.

Item Type: Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL: http://cep.lse.ac.uk/
Additional Information: © 2009 The authors
Divisions: Centre for Economic Performance
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
D History General and Old World > D History (General)
JEL classification: N - Economic History > N3 - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Income, and Wealth
J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J6 - Mobility, Unemployment, and Vacancies
J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J2 - Time Allocation, Work Behavior, and Employment Determination and Creation; Human Capital; Retirement
Date Deposited: 16 Jul 2010 15:13
Last Modified: 01 Apr 2024 07:57
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/28686

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