Culture and Contracts: The Historical Legacy of Forced Labour

A-Tier
Journal: Economic Journal
Year: 2022
Volume: 132
Issue: 641
Pages: 89-105

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Can divide-and-rule colonial policy be responsible for contemporary ethnic tension? This paper empirically investigates the role of a divisive and extractive colonial policy on Hutu–Tutsi discord in Rwanda and Burundi. It shows that Hutu with a family history of subjugation to forced labour by Tutsi chiefs are less trusting of Tutsi today and less willing to partner with Tutsi for a cooperative task. This may have implications for agriculture insurance agreements because Hutu are more agrarian and Tutsi are more pastoral. Indeed, Hutu with a forced labour family history make fewer inter-household insurance agreements and are more likely to experience default.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:econjl:v:132:y:2022:i:641:p:89-105.
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-24