In:
Annales. Histoire, Sciences Sociales, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 49, No. 6 ( 1994-12), p. 1339-1357
Abstract:
This essay presents a synthesis of the available literature on the economic and social function of rural credit in early modem Switzerland. It sets out by describing different types of credits and the patterns of exchange between different urban and rural actors. In particular, the class-specific pattern of rural indebtedness is examined as well as the role of social proximity in explaining the type and size of credits. Furthermore, the contrasting aspects of institutional protection and informality of credit relations are discussed, with particular focus on the role of credit in clientelistic networks. The final part is devoted to the function of life-cycle specific indebtedness in the permanent income strategy of peasant households. It is maintained that credits were used unproductively in the first instance, but that rural indebtedness nevertheless contributed to the expansion of cash crop production and proto-industry.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0395-2649
,
1953-8146
DOI:
10.3406/ahess.1994.279332
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
1994
detail.hit.zdb_id:
298-7
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2209294-8
SSG:
8,2
