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A Note on Height and Surnames: The Role of Networks

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Listed:
  • Hassink, Wolter

    (Utrecht University)

  • van Leeuwen, Bas

    (Utrecht University)

Abstract

Many studies indicate that human height is determined largely by childhood circumstances, which in turn influences an adult's labor market opportunities. The aim of this note is to test this thesis by examining the correlation between childhood circumstances and labor market outcomes on the one hand, and heights on the other, when networks are included as proxied by surnames. The fact that, after the inclusion of this surname proxy, we find a correlation only between height and labor market outcomes suggests that, while childhood circumstances affect height largely via social status and networks as captured by surnames, the same does not apply for labor market outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Hassink, Wolter & van Leeuwen, Bas, 2013. "A Note on Height and Surnames: The Role of Networks," IZA Discussion Papers 7433, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Surnames, height and labor market outcomes
      by Economic Logician in Economic Logic on 2013-08-19 19:28:00

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    stature; networks; Indonesia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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