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Nineteenth Century US African-American and White Female Statures: Insight from US Prison Records

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  • Scott A. Carson

Abstract

Using a new source of 19th century state prison records, this study contrasts the biological living conditions of comparable US African-American and white female statures during economic development. Black and white female statures varied regionally, and white Southeastern and black Southwestern females reached the tallest statures. White females were consistently taller than black females. Black and white female statures also varied over time with emancipation and were similar to black male stature variation, indicating that 19th century female net cumulative biological living conditions were similar to the lowest ranks of US male society.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott A. Carson, 2010. "Nineteenth Century US African-American and White Female Statures: Insight from US Prison Records," CESifo Working Paper Series 3169, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_3169
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Nineteenth Century US Black and White Female Statures;

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • N00 - Economic History - - General - - - General

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