The Origins of Ethnolinguistic Diversity
American Economic Review
vol. 102,
no. 4, June 2012
(pp. 1508-39)
Abstract
This study explores the determinants of ethnolinguistic diversity within as well as across countries, shedding light on its geographic origins. The empirical analysis conducted across countries, virtual countries, and pairs of contiguous regions establishes that geographic variability, captured by variation in regional land quality and elevation, is a fundamental determinant of contemporary linguistic diversity. The findings are consistent with the proposed hypothesis that differences in land endowments gave rise to location-specific human capital, leading to the formation of localized ethnicities. (JEL J15, J24, Z13)Citation
Michalopoulos, Stelios. 2012. "The Origins of Ethnolinguistic Diversity." American Economic Review, 102 (4): 1508-39. DOI: 10.1257/aer.102.4.1508Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
- J24 Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
- Z13 Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Social and Economic Stratification