Alfonso Díez Minguela

Mi investigación se centra en la historia económica de España. Para ello, adopto un enfoque interdisciplinar, combinando literaturas (economía, historia, geografía, educación...), métodos, y herramientas. Además, me interesa el desarrollo de bases de datos que faciliten la investigación y la generación de conocimiento.

No obstante, mi curiosidad me lleva (con frecuencia) a explorar líneas y métodos. En este sentido, me interesa especialmente estudiar los procesos de generación y transmisión de información y conocimiento en el pasado (y presente) y sus implicaciones socioeconómicas.

Dicho esto, si quieres compartir ideas o tienes sugerencias contáctame. Encontrar a colegas con intereses de investigación similares es uno de los aspectos más agradables de esta profesión. Además, uno no sabe el tiempo que podrá seguir dedicando a esta actividad.

Under review

On the uneven costs of nation building: Language mismatch and literacy in the Valencia region

Abstract: This paper studies the impact of a language mismatch, the fact that the language of instruction differs from the mother tongue, on the acquisition of basic literacy in a period in which the Spanish State was forming. Relying on municipal information from 1860 to 1930 for the former Kingdom of Valencia, the study empirically assesses whether the language mismatch had an impact on literacy. Our results show a consistent negative effect for the whole period of study which in turn raises a relevant issue, the uneven costs of nation building.

With Francisco J. Beltrán Tapia, Alicia Gómez-Tello, Julio Martínez Galarraga and Daniel A. Tirado (Working Paper)

The social economy in inflationary times. Evidence from Spain 1910-1920

Abstract: Consumer cooperatives in early 20th century Spain were based on the Rochdale model. That is, profits were distributed among their members in the form of dividends or social and cultural services. In this study, we examine how these consumer co-ops responded to an unexpected demand shock, the First World War, which brought about high inflation. To this end, we carry out a quantitative analysis based on a survey compiled by the Instituto de Reformas Sociales (Spanish Institute of Social Reform, IRS) between 1910 and 1920. This survey contains retail price information for essential items (food, energy…). Interestingly, prices are available for both, consumer co-ops and other retailers, thereby permitting a direct comparison. Overall, our study confirms that, between 1910 and 1914, goods sold at co-ops were slightly more expensive. However, and as inflation picked up, this was reversed. Co-op prices became relatively cheaper which in turn hints their concern for the rising cost of living of their members, largely working class, even if that meant potentially putting at risk their financial health.

With Francisco J. Medina Albaladejo (Documento de Trabajo)

Biografías digitales, ¿una o varias historias?

Abstract: En este trabajo se presenta un análisis comparativo de las biografías de los miembros de los gabinetes de Gobierno en España desde 1814 publicadas en el Diccionario Biográfico electrónico (DB-e) y la Wikipedia. A partir de esta información, se reflexiona brevemente sobre los desafíos de la historia en la sociedad digital.

With Lucía Doménech Collado

Coming soon

Did (bad news) travel fast? The information capacity of the Spanish Crown in mid-18th century

Abstract: State capacity plays a fundamental role in economic development, but it depends upon the ability to collect and structure information. Legibility is essential for taxation and the provision of goods and services. Yet, the information capacity of a State often faces significant challenges, especially in historical contexts and developing economies. This study empirically evaluates the information capacity of the Spanish Crown in mid-18th century. Using a novel dataset, we describe and then analyse how places (Ciudades, Villas…) responded to a Royal Order issued after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. In short, we find that places of Royal jurisdiction and those more closely aligned with the Crown’s interests responded more promptly, providing evidence of the existing spatial heterogeneities that hindered State capacity.

With Guillermo Esteban Oliver, David González Agudo and Daniel A. Tirado

Railways and literacy in 19th century Spain

With Guillermo Esteban Oliver and Julio Martínez Galarraga