Abstract
The article deals with the relationships during the life course of small landowners between the accumulation of real estate and constraints caused by eco- nomic conditions. Examination of the transactions of about a hundred winegrowers of the Chartres region during the eighteenth century allows us to explore three assump- tions. First, real estate accumulation closely follows the familial cycle: the optimal time to buy or sell land results from the production/consumption equilibrium reached by each household. Second, accumulation opportunities depend on conjuncture: crises and prosperity constantly throw the “patrimonial cycle” off balance. Third, discor- dance between life-cycle stages and economic phases generates strong disparities among successive generations in terms of their total investments. These disparities can- not be balanced by recoveries and therefore give rise to specific characteristics of the life course of each generation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
