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Demographic, Residential, and Socioeconomic Effects on the Distribution of the Statures of Whites in the Nineteenth-Century U.S

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  • SCOTT CARSON

Abstract

Nineteenth-century U.S. state prison records contain information on European-American stature. The most commonly mentioned reasons for stature variation were diets, disease, and work effort. The statures of whites were positively associated with direct sunlight. Stature and insolation were associated with occupations, and white workers who spent more time outdoors produced more vitamin D and grew taller. The statures of whites also decreased throughout the nineteenth century, and this decrease is observed across the whole stature distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott Carson, 2011. "Demographic, Residential, and Socioeconomic Effects on the Distribution of the Statures of Whites in the Nineteenth-Century U.S," Mathematical Population Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(1), pages 1-17.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:mpopst:v:18:y:2011:i:1:p:1-17
    DOI: 10.1080/08898480.2011.540147
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