PhD in Social and Cultural Inequalities in the Spanish Basque Country (1700–1808)
Explore wealth concentration, credit networks, and rural inequality in Early Modern Basque society through archival research.
Best for:Best for historians with a Master’s in History or related fields, specializing in Early Modern Europe, social history, and archival research.
Overview
This PhD position at the Universidad del País Vasco focuses on investigating the rise of inequality in the Basque Country between 1700 and 1808. The successful candidate will conduct original research using primary sources from the Provincial Archive of Bizkaia and the General Archive of Gipuzkoa. The project aims to reconstruct credit networks, assess property loss in rural areas, and analyze conflicts linked to growing inequality during the Ancien Régime. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in Early Modern European history and social history, with a strong commitment to archival analysis and critical historical inquiry.
What you'll do
- Conduct a comprehensive state-of-the-art review on inequality in Early Modern Europe.
- Analyze primary archival sources from the Provincial Archive of Bizkaia and General Archive of Gipuzkoa.
- Reconstruct credit networks and debt systems in the Basque Country during the 18th century.
- Assess the loss of property in rural Basque areas and its socio-economic implications.
- Identify and analyze conflicts arising from rising inequality toward the end of the Ancien Régime.
- Write a PhD thesis based on original research findings.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in History or a related field (e.g., Social Sciences, Cultural Studies).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and thesis writing.
Instruction: Spanish (primary) and English (secondary, for academic communication).
- Proven expertise in Early Modern European history.
- Strong proficiency in archival research methods.
- Familiarity with social history and economic structures of the 18th century.
- Ability to analyze and interpret historical documents in Spanish or Basque.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Open to candidates with a Master’s degree or equivalent.
- No restrictions on nationality or residency.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-05 (Europe/Madrid)
Applicants must submit their application through the official UPV/EHU portal for PhD admissions. The process involves uploading a CV, a research proposal, academic transcripts, and a cover letter explaining their interest in the project. Additional documents may be requested during the evaluation process.
- CV
- Research proposal (linked to the project topic)
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
- Cover letter detailing research interest and qualifications
- Proof of language proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Not specified· PhD Programme Coordinator
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