The project studies the long-run relationship of human and economic development in Finland through a regional, quantitative analysis. Contrary to the Nordic narrative of a “virtuous circle“ of welfare and growth, in Finland low standards of living, education and health care persisted into the period of indistrialization. Were poverty reduction, improvements in health and increases in education causes or consequences of growth, or both at different times? Local indicators enable constructing time series from the late 19th century onwards on, e.g., infant mortality, morbidity, sex ratios in mortality, poor relief, schooling, and GDP in different parts of the country. Historical household budget data makes it possible to analyze the investments by households into the nutrition, health and education of their members before the welfare state. The project questions the “virtuous circle” and constructs a long run perspective on key issues of economic, social and development policy.

2017

2022