Social Mobility in Tucuman, Argentina, 1869-1895

Abstract

In this paper we try to analyze social mobility in Tucumán during the 1869-1895 period by using a methodology that enables us to compare living standards from individuals in different life cycle stages. Our results suggest the existence of mobility but in a considerably lower magnitude than the views provided by travelers and statesmen notes and than the image for other regions in the country posed by the researchers. We believe that in spite of the significant economic growth experienced during this period, the stronger presence of traditional features, relative to the modern aspects, could have lessened benefits from this process. The peculiar distribution of educational variables and the fact of receiving mostly native immigration were some elements of this lag.