Pomeranz2000

Title: The Great Divergence: China, Europe, and the Making of the Modern World Economy

Author: Kenneth Pomeranz

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Overview

• The book explores the economic history of China and Europe, particularly focusing on how and why Europe industrialized before China.

• It critiques the Eurocentric narrative of economic development and emphasizes cross-regional comparisons.

Key Themes

The Great Divergence

• Concept of the Great Divergence refers to the economic differences that emerged between Europe and Asia in the 19th century.

• Challenges the traditional view that Europe's development was due solely to internal factors.

Methodology

• Utilizes comparative analysis between regions, focusing on the social, economic, and environmental factors that shaped different developmental paths.

• Emphasizes reciprocal comparisons to better understand the dynamics of growth in both Europe and Asia.

Acknowledgments

• Acknowledges the contributions of various scholars and institutions that supported the research and writing process.

Introduction

Comparing Development Paths

• No consensus exists on why Europe became economically unique by the mid-19th century.

• Significant focus on demographic factors, ecology, and capital accumulation.

• Initial arguments were centered on Europe's early start in mechanized industry and its demographic patterns.

Critiques of Eurocentrism

• Critiques the Eurocentric narratives that focus solely on internal European explanations for economic growth.

• Highlights the importance of external factors and global interactions in shaping economic outcomes.

Contents

Part One: A World of Surprising Resemblances

• Discusses the similarities between Europe and Asia before significant divergences occurred.

• Analyzes population growth, capital accumulation, and technological developments.

Chapter 1: Europe Before Asia?

• Challenges the argument that Europe had significant capital advantages before 1800.

• Presents evidence that Asian societies like China had comparable, if not superior, technologies and living standards.

• Discusses various factors, such as agricultural practices and land management, which affected economic productivity.

Chapter 2: Market Economies in Europe and Asia

• Explores how market structures and dynamics were developed in both regions.

• Assesses land markets, labor systems, and the effects of migration on economic development.

Part Two: From New Ethos to New Economy?

• Investigates luxury consumption and the emergence of capitalist economies within the contexts of both Europe and Asia.

• Discusses how consumer demand influenced production and economic growth patterns.

Chapter 3: Luxury Consumption and Capitalism

• Examines luxury markets and consumer behavior in early modern societies.

• Analyses the impact of colonialism and global trade on regional economies.

Part Three: Beyond Smith and Malthus

• Compares ecological constraints faced by Europe and Asia and their implications for sustained growth.

• Explores the importance of energy sources, such as coal, and how they influenced industrial development.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the need for a more inclusive story of economic development that incorporates cross-regional factors.

• Calls for further research into how different cultures and economies interacted, shaped, and influenced one another over time.

Appendix

• Offers comparative estimates of land transport capacity, agricultural yields, and other relevant data to support the arguments made in the book.

References

• Includes bibliographical references to support the research presented throughout the text.