Rural maritime labour migration to Copenhagen and Stockholm (1700–1800)

Aske Laursen Brock, Jelle Van Lottum

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Abstract

Focusing on the shipping sector, this article discusses the influence of labour migrants from rural areas on economic development in Copenhagen and Stockholm during the long eighteenth century. During this period, the two cities developed in markedly different ways; Copenhagen flourished while Stockholm stagnated, and the qualitative and quantitative contribution of migrants was essential in facilitating these differences. Both capitals were maritime hubs that relied on a constant influx of mariners who originated from the two cities’ rural hinterlands. By examining different characteristics of the migrant mariners and the improvements of mariners’ human capital across the eighteenth century, this article emphasises the importance of the shipping sector as well as labour migration in the socio-economic development of Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Original languageEnglish
JournalContinuity and Change
Volume34
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)231-252
Number of pages22
ISSN0268-4160
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2019
Externally publishedYes

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