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Living standards and the distribution of heights: Italy, 1855-1910

Author

Listed:
  • Brian A?Hearn

    (Franklin & Marshall College)

  • Franco Peracchi

    (Tor Vergata University)

  • Giovanni Vecchi

    (Tor Vergata University)

Abstract

Mean heights are often used to measure living standards for times and places in which other economic indicators are not available. We propose a novel approach to modeling the distribution of heights, which does not rely on common but often-unwarranted assumptions such as normality. We construct a new database of height distributions for 69 Italian provinces for birth cohorts from 1855 to 1910 and apply our method to control for changes in age at measurement, selection effects due to emigration, and transitory data errors. Analysis of our corrected height distributions yields new insights into the evolution of living standards during Italy's unification and transition to modern economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Brian A?Hearn & Franco Peracchi & Giovanni Vecchi, 2007. "Living standards and the distribution of heights: Italy, 1855-1910," Working Papers 229, Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Health and Wellbeing..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:cheawb:57
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    Cited by:

    1. Franco Peracchi, 2008. "Height and Economic Development in Italy, 1730-1980," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 98(2), pages 475-481, May.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Italy;

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General

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