Gender height dimorphism: An approximation of the living Standards in Colombia, 1920-1990

Abstract

This paper analyzes the evolution and the socioeconomic determinants of gender height dimorphism to approachthe Colombian living standards during the twentieth century. Using quantile regression, the results indicate that the eco-sensitivity hypothesis holds. In bad economic times, taller men are more penalized, and in good times, they grow more. Also, taller women take greater advantage of economic improvements. The results show an increasing trend in the absolute value of dimorphism throughout the century across quantiles of height. Between 1920 and 1990, absolute height dimorphism increased from 9.9 to 11.8 centimeters in the10th quantile and from 10.84 to 12.2 centimeters in the 90th quantile. Living standards in Colombia have improvedconsiderably during the twentieth century, as reflected in the evolution of stature. Individuals’ socioeconomic status explains the biological welfare and final adult height.