Social foundations and their founders in the historical Reformed Diocese of Máramaros-Ugocsa (1840–1914)

Abstract

Numerous scientific publications have already appeared in Hungarian historical literature on foundations in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, the social and economic historical analysis of the foundations emerging in the historical Reformed Diocese of Máramaros-Ugocsa has not yet been addressed. In this study, I aim to present the main traits of social foundations established between 1840 and 1914, as well as the social composition of their founders. Based on the accessible data, at least 28 social foundations were established in the 18 parishes of the diocese during the researched period. In the first part of the study, I examine the distribution of the founding years and foundation goals, the origin, size, and form of their capital. Following this, I analyze the social traits of the founders (residence, social origin, occupation, gender, age, etc.).