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Biological Conditions and Economic Development

Nineteenth-Century Stature on the U.S. Great Plains

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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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Correspondence to Scott Alan Carson.

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

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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