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[Inequalities regarding death in the past].
1Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques, Paris.
Cahiers De Sociologie Et De Demographie Medicales
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Socioeconomic status significantly impacted mortality rates in the 19th century, challenging previous assumptions of even death risks. Historical marriage registers reveal disparities in life expectancy across different social classes.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Historical Epidemiology
- Social History
Context:
- Debate on socioeconomic differentiation in historical mortality.
- Previous assumptions of evenly distributed death risks, barring famine.
- Emerging evidence of significant social differentials in mortality.
Purpose:
- To investigate socioeconomic differentials in mortality during the 19th century.
- To analyze life expectancy variations across social strata in historical populations.
- To assess the impact of occupation and social status on mortality rates.
Summary:
- 19th-century Paris exhibited wide mortality social differentials.
- Life expectancy at 40 varied significantly: nobility/bourgeoisie (29.7 years) vs. workers/day-labourers (23.7 years).
- Regional differentials were less pronounced than socioeconomic ones.
Impact:
- Demonstrates substantial socioeconomic disparities in mortality during the 19th century.
- Highlights the value of historical marriage registers for demographic research.
- Provides empirical evidence for the historical debate on social inequality and mortality.