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Estimating the Covariates of Historical Heights

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  • James Trussell
  • Kenneth W. Wachter

Abstract

Data on human height can provide an index that may measure more accurately changes in the standard of living than the more conventional real wage index. Height data, like those on real wages, are relatively abundant and extend back to the seventeenth century. In a previous paper, we developed and tested procedures for estimating the mean and standard deviation of the distribution of human height when the sample is distorted to an unknown extent by missing observations at lower heights. The purpose of this analysis is to extend our techniques so that the covariates of height can be estimated. Such an extension is necessary when trying to draw inferences about the causes of shifts over time in the height distribution so that changes in sample composition can be controlled.

Suggested Citation

  • James Trussell & Kenneth W. Wachter, 1984. "Estimating the Covariates of Historical Heights," NBER Working Papers 1455, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:1455
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert W. Fogel & Stanley L. Engerman & Roderick Floud & Richard H. Steckel & James Trussell, 1982. "Changes in American and British Stature Since the Mid-Eighteenth Century: A Prelimanary Report on the Usefulness of Data on Height..," NBER Working Papers 0890, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sophia Twarog, 1997. "Heights and Living Standards in Germany, 1850-1939: The Case of Wurttemberg," NBER Chapters, in: Health and Welfare during Industrialization, pages 285-330, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Komlos, John, 2003. "How to (and How Not to) Analyze Deficient Height Samples," Discussion Papers in Economics 56, University of Munich, Department of Economics.

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