Stature, economy and migration during the 19th century: Comparative analysis of Haute-Vienne and Hautes-Alpes, France

Gilles Boëtsch, Aude Brus and Bruno Ancel

Economics & Human Biology, 2008, vol. 6, issue 1, 170-180

Abstract: Data sources are achieved records of men workers' passbooks and registry for work permits in two rural parts of Southern France. We obtained three samples: masons from Rancon, a Limousin village, local sedentary alpine workers and Italian immigrants. The results obtained provide two types of information. The first concerns adult height, which is thought to be a result of both a growth pattern and environmental factors. The second concerns growth rates at the end of adolescence. The results seem to contradict the statements made above concerning the relationships between misery, elevation and height. While the alpine inhabitants are shorter, the Limousin inhabitants are taller in sprite they live in a miserable environment. It appears that taller individuals select themselves into migration. Thus, this model would contradict the idea of a regional genetic base.

Date: 2008
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