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Height and standard of living in Puerto Rico from the Spanish enlightenment to annexation by the United States, 1770–1924

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  • Moreno- Lázaro, Javier

Abstract

This preliminary work presents a first series of heights of male adults in Puerto Rico. The sample, made up of 6000 prisoner records. the estimates were systematically assessed for selectivity, and we find that selectivity is quite negligible for the main results. The text studies the extreme dependence of the standard of living on the evolution of the price of sugar, a dependence which caused the progressive deterioration of material well-being in the country. Only between 1860 and 1880 did Puerto Ricans enjoy some improvement and a higher level of height. We measures the negative short-term effects of the 1898 annexation Puerto Rico by the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • Moreno- Lázaro, Javier, 2023. "Height and standard of living in Puerto Rico from the Spanish enlightenment to annexation by the United States, 1770–1924," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:49:y:2023:i:c:s1570677x23000242
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101243
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Anthropometry; Puerto Rico; Spain; United States; Colonialism; Standard of living;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F54 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - Colonialism; Imperialism; Postcolonialism
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • N36 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Latin America; Caribbean

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