El Mercado de trabajo agrícola en el noreste francés (1789-1836)

Abstract

This article aims at studying the labor market in northeastern France between 1789 and 1836. While land or wheat markets studies have taken an important place in French historiography, labor markets have been relegated or circumscribed to urban spaces. The present work focuses in price documentation (mercuriales), national and departmental decrees, correspondence and local testimonies for the purpose of analyzing the key features of the agricultural labor market and the importance of state policies concerning wage fixation. We insist on the importance of rural production structures that impose strong boundaries upon both state policies and spontaneous development of the labor market, therefore arguing with liberal and neo-institutional approaches.