Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/282801 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 16674
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Using textual analysis of 173,031 works printed in England between 1500 and 1900, we test whether British culture evolved to manifest a heightened belief in progress associated with science and industry. Our analysis yields three main findings. First, there was a separation in the language of science and religion beginning in the 17th century. Second, scientific volumes became more progress-oriented during the Enlightenment. Third, industrial works—especially those at the science-political economy nexus—were more progress-oriented beginning in the 17th century. It was therefore the more pragmatic, industrial works which reflected the cultural values cited as important for Britain's takeoff.
Subjects: 
language
religion
science
political economy
progressiveness
Enlightenment
industrial revolution
JEL: 
C81
C88
N33
N63
O14
Z11
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
6.08 MB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.