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The influence of colonialism on Africa's welfare: An anthropometric study

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  • Baten, Joerg
  • Maravall, Laura

Abstract

This study presents new evidence on the anthropometric development of 47 countries. Did colonialism have an influence on the biological standard of living of Africans? We find that Africans lost stature upon colonization, even after controlling for a number of different variables and potential sample selectivity bias issues. We analyse various types of colonialism and find that both settler colonies and other colonies had an adverse effect on native African heights during the colonialization period.

Suggested Citation

  • Baten, Joerg & Maravall, Laura, 2021. "The influence of colonialism on Africa's welfare: An anthropometric study," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 49(3), pages 751-775.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:49:y:2021:i:3:p:751-775
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2021.01.001
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