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Social class and diachronic trends in physique in young university women

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

D. F. Roberts  and
T. C. Dann
D. F. Roberts
Affiliation:
Department of Human Genetics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
T. C. Dann
Affiliation:
Medical Centre, University of Warwick
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Summary

In a large sample of female students admitted to the University of Warwick in the period 1971–86, physique as measured by height, weight and ponderal index was examined in relation to family variables and socioeconomic class. Stature and weight both show a secular tendency to increase, and there is no indication of any slowing of rate. The different social classes do not participate equally in these trends, in a way that is difficult to reconcile with the attribution of the diachronic changes to simple improvement in environmental conditions. Maternal competence is suggested as a possible factor in the pattern of class difference.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 24 , Issue 2 , April 1992 , pp. 269 - 279
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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