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Measuring Inequality in Living Standards with Anthropometric Indicators: The Case of Mexico 1850-1986

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  • Moramay L�pez-Alonso
  • Roberto V�lez-Grajales

Abstract

By analyzing the Mexican case for the period 1850-1986, we argue that the average adult stature of a population can be used as a tool to analyze inequality in living standards. The findings suggest that the secular trend in stature is related to cycles of economic growth, inequality, wars and institutional changes. Such processes affect socioeconomic groups and regions differently and generate unequal living standard patterns. Moreover, male adult average height shows a U-shaped trend for the whole period of study. As a result, Mexico lagged behind on heights with respect to other Latin American economies such as Brazil and Colombia. Two different types of data sources are used for the analysis: military and passport records for the period 1850-1950 and the 2000 Mexican National Health Survey (ENSA-2000) and the 2006 Mexican National Survey on Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT-2006) for the remaining years.

Suggested Citation

  • Moramay L�pez-Alonso & Roberto V�lez-Grajales, 2015. "Measuring Inequality in Living Standards with Anthropometric Indicators: The Case of Mexico 1850-1986," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(3), pages 374-396, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jhudca:v:16:y:2015:i:3:p:374-396
    DOI: 10.1080/19452829.2015.1044820
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hofman, André A., 2001. "Long run economic development in Latin America in a comparative perspective: proximate and ultimate causes," Macroeconomía del Desarrollo 5460, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
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    Cited by:

    1. Adolfo Meisel-Roca & María Teresa Ramírez-Giraldo & Daniela Santos-Cárdenas, 2018. "Socioeconomic Determinants and Spatial Convergence of Biological Well-being: The Case of Physical Stature in Colombia, 1920-1990," Borradores de Economia 1053, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
    2. Meisel-Roca, Adolfo & Ramírez-Giraldo, María Teresa & Santos-Cárdenas, Daniela, 2019. "Long run relationship between biological well being, and economic development in Colombia," Working papers 24, Red Investigadores de Economía.

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