Energy, Hierarchy and the Origin of Inequality
Fix, Blair.
(2018).
Working Papers on Capital as Power. No. 2018/09. December. pp. 1-47.
(Article - Working Paper; English).
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http://www.capitalaspower.com/2018/12/2018-09-fix-energy-hierarchy-and-the-origin-of-inequality/, https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/190958
Abstract or Brief Description
Where should we look to understand the origin of inequality? Most research focuses on three windows of evidence: (1) the archaeological record; (2) existing traditional societies; and (3) the historical record. I propose a fourth window of evidence — modern society itself. I hypothesize that we can infer the origin of inequality from the modern relation between energy use, hierarchy, and in- equality. To do this, I create a large-scale numerical model that is informed by modern evidence. I then use this model to project modern trends into the past. The results are promising. The model predicts an explosion of inequality with the transition to agrarian levels of energy use. Subsequent increases in energy use are predicted to have little effect on inequality. The results are broadly consistent with the available evidence. This suggests that the hierarchical structure of modern societies may provide a window into the origin of inequality.
Language
EnglishPublication Type
Article - Working PaperKeywords
coercion function energy institution size hierarchy numerical model origin of inequalitySubject
BN PowerBN Production
BN Civilization & Social Systems
BN Conflict & Violence
BN Cooperation & Collective Action
BN Data & Statistics
BN Distribution
BN Ecology & Environment
BN Growth
BN History
BN Institutions
Depositing User
Jonathan NitzanDate Deposited
18 Dec 2018 19:07Last Modified
10 Jan 2019 19:28URL:
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