Is There a Gradient in Life Span by Position in the Social Hierarchy?

John Lavis (), Christopher McLeod, Cameron Mustard and Greg Stoddart
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John Lavis: Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Institute for Work & Health, Population Health Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
Christopher McLeod: Institute for Work & Health
Cameron Mustard: Institute for Work & Heath, Population Health Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto
Greg Stoddart: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto

No 2001-10, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis Working Paper Series from Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA), McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada

Abstract: Objectives - To examine within an economically homogeneous group whether there is a gradient in life span by position in the social hierarchy. Methods - Using birth and death information for British peers and baronets, we calculated average life span (in years) for first- and inherited-title holders separately, by century of birth, and by peerage type. As well, we regressed life spans on peerage type, adjusting for century of birth and age at award. Results - There appears to be no gradient in life span by position in the social hierarchy even after accounting for cohort and selection effects. For inherited-title holders, peers of several peerage types have shorter life spans than peers in the lowest position in the social hierarchy. Conclusions - The lack of a gradient in life span by position in the social hierarchy suggests the need to continue exploring factors related to life within in economic hierarchy.

Keywords: longevity; gradient; socioeconomic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 37 pages
Date: 2001
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