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Physical stature and its interpretation in nineteenth century New Zealand

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Abstract

During the late nineteenth century the physical stature of New Zealandborn men stagnated, despite an apparently beneficial public health environment and growth in per-capita incomes. Stature varied by social class, with professionals and men in rural occupations substantially taller than their peers. There is not enough evidence to show that the indigenous Maori population differed in height from men of European descent.

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  • Kris Inwood & Les Oxley & Evan Roberts, 2008. "Physical stature and its interpretation in nineteenth century New Zealand," Working Papers in Economics 08/22, University of Canterbury, Department of Economics and Finance.
    • Handle: RePEc:cbt:econwp:08/22
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    File URL: https://repec.canterbury.ac.nz/cbt/econwp/0822.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Physical stature; Height; Well-being; New Zealand Anthropometric history; Biological standard of living;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O56 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Oceania
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • N37 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Africa; Oceania

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