Selected Papers from the Prominent Economic History Journals

In this medium post, we are going to explore some papers from different economics journals but first I will share my favorite economic journal and the reasons for why I love that journal.

My favorite journal: The Economic History of Developing Regions Journal

The significance of the publication is found in its contribution to the knowledge of economic history in emerging countries. Researchers can learn more about the difficulties and opportunities that these areas have encountered over time by looking at their economic histories. Policymakers and decision-makers in these regions can use this information to learn about historical economic trends and the variables that have influenced economic development.
Furthermore, given that these places are frequently underrepresented in economic research, the journal’s concentration on developing regions is particularly significant. As a result, the knowledge produced by this magazine can close a knowledge gap and offer suggestions for sustainable economic growth.

Now let’s talk about some of the articles that I like.

  • First of all we are going to look at Electricity Access Inequality In Sub-Saharan Africa, 1950–2000 Hanaan Marwah from African Economic History

This article is looking at this question: Between 1950 and 2000, what historical patterns and variables affected Sub-Saharan Africa’s access to electricity and inequality? Metodology is the article’s historical and comparative perspective, which draws onto examine the variables that affected inequality and access to power in the area using both primary and secondary sources. Main conclusions are the article shows that there were discrepancies in the distribution of access to electricity between urban and rural areas, and that these differences were influenced by colonization, political unrest, and economic development programs. The article’s conclusion is that in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is imperative to rectify past disparities in power availability. Why did I pick this article? It discusses why certain people in Sub-Saharan Africa have better access to electricity than others, which is significant to me. The essay demonstrates how colonization, political unrest, and economic policies have all contributed to this inequality by examining the history of the area from 1950 to 2000.
The essay makes the case that in order for Sub-Saharan Africa to have an equitable and sustainable economy, it is critical to address these inequities.Sub-Saharan African economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable.

  • Second article that we are examine is Technology and scale changes: The steel industry of a planned economy in a comparative perspective from Economic History of Developing Regions

How technological and scale changes affected the steel industry in planned and market economies, and what lessons can be drawn from contrasting these experiences, is the research question of the article. Methodology is to examine the role of technological and scale changes in the steel sector, as well as the distinct difficulties and opportunities faced by planned and market economies, the author employed a comparative method. To investigate the experiences of various economies, the author reviewed a variety of primary and secondary sources, including industry statistics, government papers, and scholarly works. Main conclusion is the article demonstrates that although scale and technological innovations played a significant role in the development of the steel industries in both planned and market economies, the precise effects and patterns varied. The Soviet Union made tremendous advancements in steel manufacturing as a result of its concentration on large-scale production and centralized planning, but it also experienced inefficiencies and environmental consequences. The development of the steel industry, in contrast, was more flexible and decentralized in market economies, with advantages in adaptation but disadvantages in obtaining economies of scale. A helpful comparison between the two models is provided by the experience of Czechoslovakia, which combined central planning and market-oriented reforms. Why did I pick this particular article? The article offers significant insights into the benefits and drawbacks of various industrial growth strategies, as well as their applicability to current policy discussions.

  • Thirdly we are going to look at Rationality and bounded rationality: you can’t have one without the other from The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought

This article investigates the relationship between rationality and constrained rationality and the implications for economics.
Methodology is to examine the idea of rationality and how it is used in economics, the author takes a theoretical approach. In order to comprehend the constraints of perfect rationality and the significance of limited rationality, the author examines many economic models and academic studies. Primary effects according to the essay, it’s crucial to comprehend both rationality and constrained rationality in order to understand how people make decisions. While perfect rationality may be helpful in some circumstances, it’s critical to understand its limitations and take ideas from bounded rationality into consideration. Economic policy should take into consideration reasonable predictions about human behavior, therefore this has significant ramifications. Why did I chose this article? It offers an insightful view on how rationality and constrained rationality interact in the field of economics.

  • The fourth article is Escaping Europe: health and human capital of Holocaust refugees from European Review of Economic History

Examining the health and human capital outcomes of Holocaust survivors who fled to the United States during and after World War II is the study question of this article. Methodology is to examine the health and human capital results of Holocaust refugees, the authors combine quantitative and qualitative analyses. They monitor and identify refugees who entered the country between 1938 and 1950 using historical data, and they examine their socioeconomic and health consequences. To gain further insight into the experiences of these refugees, the writers also speak with Holocaust survivors and their families in interviews. The paper indicates that Holocaust refugees who immigrated to the US had much greater levels of human capital than the average population, including levels of education and job skills. Later in life, they also had greater incidences of physical and mental health issues, such as heart disease and depression. The Holocaust-related trauma and stress, as well as the following displacement of the refugees, are blamed by the authors for these results.
Why did I pick this particular article? This study offers crucial insights into the long-term effects on health and human capital of forced migration and traumatic events.

  • Fifth article that we are looking at is that John Singleton, Economic and natural disasters since 1900: a comparative history from The Economic History Review

This article’s research question is to examine and assess John Singleton’s book “Economic and Natural Disasters since 1900: A Comparative History” and to offer a critical analysis of its contributions to knowledge about how disasters affect national economies and societies around the world.
Methodology is to study and assess the work by John Singleton, the author employs a critical review approach. The review is based on a thorough study of the book and analysis of its claims, supporting materials, and technique. Additionally, the author assesses the book’s merits and faults by contrasting it with other research on the same topic. Primary effects The article offers a critical assessment of John Singleton’s book “Economic and Natural Disasters since 1900: A Comparative History.” The author compliments the book for its in-depth research of the effects of disasters on communities and economies around the world as well as its covering of both economic and natural disasters. The book’s contribution to recognizing the significance of preparedness and response strategies in lessening the effects of disasters is also highlighted by the author. But the author also criticizes the book for its emphasis on industrialized nations and its scant examination of how political and social issues exacerbate the effects of disasters.
Why did I chose this article? This article offers a critical assessment of the book’s contributions to comprehending economic and natural disasters as well as its limits.

  • Final article that we have is Social-economic change and its impact on violence: Homicide history of Qing China from Explorations in Economic History

How did social and economic transformation impact homicide and violence rates in Qing China?
Utilizing quantitative analysis of homicide data from the Qing period (1644–1911), the authors looked at the connection between social and economic change and violence. They tested the effects of numerous socioeconomic factors, including population growth, income inequality, and urbanization, on homicide rates using a regression model.Main finding is the authors discovered that homicide and violence rates in Qing China were significantly impacted by social-economic changes. They discovered specifically that urbanization, income disparity, and population expansion were all aggravating factors that contributed to an increase in killings. They also discovered that the introduction of firearms and the dissolution of long-standing societal norms contributed to the surge in violence during this time. Overall, their analysis points to the cultural and socioeconomic shifts as the main causes of the violence in Qing China.
Why did I pick this particular article? I selected this article because I’m curious to know how economic issues relate to homicide rates in China.

I hope you enjoyed the the articles that we have gone through together. You can find the links for further information about the articles that we looked at together.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20780389.2018.1432353?src=

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09672567.2018.1523206?src=

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ehr.12689

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321872773_Electricity_Access_Inequality_in_Sub-Saharan_Africa_1950-2000

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