The biological standard of living in Mexico: c.1850-1992

Thesis

In the present study I analyse the long-run dynamics of adult average height in Mexico and the influence of the country’s environmental/socioeconomic context on this average height. Three main questions guide the course of this study: How did inequality evolve during the second half of twentieth century in Mexico? Did the processes of industrialisation and urbanisation affect the evolution of average height in Mexico? If so, can it be asserted that for such period in Mexico physical stature is determined more by environmental factors rather than biological ones?

Results from the empirical analysis show that: (1) for the period 1951-1992, Mexico showed a positive but moderate trend; (2) for the period 1953-1982, once current and original individual and local characteristics were controlled for, the results suggest that urbanisation/overcrowding had a positive effect on heights, but that there were also costs related to urbanisation that reduced this net positive effect; (3) for Mexicans born during 1962-1986, three main findings were obtained: (a) wealthier parents produced taller children; (b) while height increases could be observed across the socioeconomic ladder, the differences between socioeconomic groups persisted; and (c) tallness increased the probability of reaching relative upper class positions, and reduced the probability of descending to the lower ones.

These results contribute to the present literature on anthropometric history for the Mexican case. Firstly, present findings contribute to extend height series for Mexico until the end of twentieth century. Secondly, both the urbanisation penalty and the gender comparison findings are new for the post 1950s Mexican historical period. And thirdly, anthropometric analysis from the mirror of economic history permits to evaluate economic results of Mexico from a perspective that captures several effects that are closed related to poverty and inequality. In particular, results for the second half of twentieth century show that positive and constant economic growth during such period was not reflected in the same proportion on the biological standard of living for all Mexicans. In particular, the implemented model of development, in which a significant effort was allocated around Mexico City, was not enough to reduce inequality. To sum up, these results show that inequality and not only economic growth matters.

Authors: Velez Grajales, R

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-vy4kknk5b
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: standard of living; anthropometric history; Mexico
• Subjects: development studies; latin american studies; Economic history; anthropometric history