The body as a mirror of inequality in México during the second half of the twentieth century.

This paper examines how variations in the height and health of Mexicans during the second half of the twentieth century reflect the evolution of economic inequality, as its effects have repercussions on the health and nutritional conditions of the population. The average height of Mexican adults had a modest increase with respect to the possibilities of human plasticity. These anthropometric variations were the result of the incorporation of advances in science and technology leading to improved standards of living among the population. Body changes were impacted by dietary habits, urbanization, and government policies supporting food production and distribution.

The body as a mirror of inequality in México during the second half of the twentieth century / El cuerpo como espejo de la desigualdad en México durante la segunda mitad del siglo XX

Abstract This paper examines how variations in the height and health of Mexicans during the second half of the twentieth century reflect the evolution of economic inequality, as its effects have repercussions on the health and nutritional conditions of the population. The average height of Mexican adults had a modest increase with respect to the possibilities of human plasticity. These anthropometric variations were the result of the incorporation of advances in science and technology leading to improved standards of living among the population. Body changes were impacted by dietary habits, urbanization, and government policies supporting food production and distribution.

Resumen Este trabajo examina cómo las variaciones en la estatura y la salud de los mexicanos durante la segunda mitad del siglo XX son un reflejo de la evolución de la desigualdad económica pues sus efectos repercuten en las condiciones de salud y alimentación de la población. La estatura promedio de adultos mexicanos tuvo un aumento modesto con respecto a las posibilidades de la plasticidad humana. Estas variaciones antropométricas fueron resultado de la incorporación de avances en ciencia y tecnología conducentes a mejorar los niveles de vida de la población. Los cambios corporales fueron impactados por hábitos alimenticios, de urbanización y políticas gubernamentales de apoyo a la producción y distribución de alimentos.

The ups and downs of Mexican economic growth: the biological standard of living and inequality, 1870-1950.

The secular change in the biological standard of living of the Mexican population between 1870 and 1950 is examined based on evidence on the physical stature from military and passport records. While Mexico industrialized and experienced rapid economic growth during this period, there was only a modest overall improvement in the height, health and nutritional status of the Mexican population. The average Mexican born in the 1940s was not only slightly taller than its compatriot of the 1870s. There were, however, considerable social differences: the Mexican upper class was markedly taller than the working class and the gap increased prior to the revolution. Economic growth with systemic inequality largely accounts for such a pattern.