Institutional and Social Dynamics of Growth and Distribution presents a set of original contributions to the much-debated issues of long-run economic growth in relation to institutional and social progress.The main focus of investigation of this engaging book is the mutual relationship between social, political, and economic institutions on one hand, and the growth of the economy on the other. These mutual relations are at the crux of differences in long-run growth rates across countries, and in their variations through time. The contributors analyse historical, empirical and theoretical aspects of the many self-reinforcing mechanisms of growth, the role of political institutions, and demographic factors.Offering a lively representation of the reasons why no lasting economic growth is possible without broader institutional progress, this book will prove a fascinating read for students, academics, and researchers focusing on economics, sociology, demography, and growth theory.