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Many causes, not one
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2019
Abstract
This comment focuses on difficulties in establishing causality among various phenomena present in early modern Europe at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. It concludes that, rather than focus on a single cause out of many candidates, we should consider the possibility of a set of mutually reinforcing causes, among which those suggested by Life History Theory may be included.
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- Open Peer Commentary
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2019
References
Eisner, M. (2001) Modernization, self-control and lethal violence. The long-term dynamics of European homicide rates in theoretical perspective. British Journal of Criminology 41(4):618–38.Google Scholar
Humphries, J. & Weisdorf, J. (2016) Unreal wages? A new empirical foundation for the study of living standards and economic growth in England, 1260–1860. Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE)Google Scholar
Target article
Psychological origins of the Industrial Revolution
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Author response
Psychological origins of the Industrial Revolution: More work is needed!