Abstract
Average stature is now a well-accepted measure of material and economic well-being in development studies when traditional measures are sparse or unreliable, but little work has been done on the biological conditions for individuals on the nineteenth-century U.S. Great Plains. Records of 14,427 inmates from the Nebraska state prison are used to examine the relationship between stature and economic conditions. Statures of both black and white prisoners in Nebraska increased through time, indicating that biological conditions improved as Nebraska’s output market and agricultural sectors developed. The effect of rural environments on stature is illustrated by the fact that farm laborers were taller than common laborers. Urbanization and industrialization had significant impacts on stature, and proximity to trade routes and waterways was inversely related to stature.
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Acknowledgments
I appreciate comments from John Komlos, Kellye Manning, Paul Hodges, and two anonymous referees. Excellent research assistance was provided by Aaron Little, Kirk Logan, Shahil Sharma, Chinuedu Akah, and Anita Voorhies. Any errors are my own.
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Appendix: Nebraska Occupations
Appendix: Nebraska Occupations
White-Collar
Agent
Attorney
Barber
Bookkeeper
Butcher
Clerk
Druggist
Electrician
Merchant
Musician
Salesman
Schoolteacher
Skilled
Baker
Blacksmith
Boilermaker
Brick maker
Brick mason
Cabinetmaker
Carpenter
Cigar Maker
Cooper
Craftsman
Machinist
Mason
Mechanic
Painter
Plasterer
Plumber
Presser
Printer
Shoemaker
Stone Cutter
Tailor
Telegraph Operator
Rancher
Cattleman
Rancher
Farmers
Farmer
Farm Laborers
Cowboy
Farm laborer
Gardener
Unskilled
Brakeman
Bricklayer
Cook
Chauffer
Coachman
Fireman
Laborer
Miner
Porter
Railroad laborer
Sailor
Soldier
Switchman
Teamster
Waiter
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Source: Ferrie 1997:325, 1999
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Carson, S.A. Biological Conditions and Economic Development. Hum Nat 26, 123–142 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-015-9231-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110-015-9231-x