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GDP per capita and the biological standard of living in contemporary developing countries

Author

Listed:
  • Brinkman, Henk-Jan
  • Drukker, J.W.
  • Slot, Brigitte

    (Groningen University)

Abstract

This paper investigates whether a divergence between the biological standard of living (commonly measured by some anthropometric indicator) and GDP per capita during the early phases of industrialization, as observed for many now-developed countries in the nineteenth century, can also be found for the current developing countries. The paper examines whether such a divergence exists and which factors might explain its possible existence. We conclude that there is not much evidence for such a divergence. However, there is considerable variance by such factors as the infant mortality rate in addition to GDP per capita.

Suggested Citation

  • Brinkman, Henk-Jan & Drukker, J.W. & Slot, Brigitte, 1997. "GDP per capita and the biological standard of living in contemporary developing countries," GGDC Research Memorandum 199735, Groningen Growth and Development Centre, University of Groningen.
    • Handle: RePEc:gro:rugggd:199735
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    File URL: http://irs.ub.rug.nl/ppn/252083776
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. John Komlos, 1993. "A Malthusian episode revisited: the height of British and Irish servants in colonial America," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 46(4), pages 768-782, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stephan Klasen, 2008. "Poverty, undernutrition, and child mortality: Some inter-regional puzzles and their implicationsfor research and policy," The Journal of Economic Inequality, Springer;Society for the Study of Economic Inequality, vol. 6(1), pages 89-115, March.
    2. repec:dgr:rugggd:200362 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. repec:dgr:rugsom:03c20 is not listed on IDEAS

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