Development of regional variety of the biological standard of living in the Netherlands, 1812-1913

This study focuses on regional patterns in stature in Dutch society during the 19th and early 20th century (1813-–1913). To analyze regional patterns and transitions the HSN Database Giants is used. Results confirm that in the first period (1830-–1860) differences in the biological standard of living were substantial. The less market-oriented inland provinces had the highest level. This is in line with the Komlos-hypothesis. The modernization of the Dutch economy in the second half of the 19thth century was accompanied by a substantial increase in average height and a reversal of the spatial p... Mehr ...