Social class and diachronic trends in physique in young university women.
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.
Roberts
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DF
Department of Human Genetics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Dann
T C
TC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001824:Body Constitution; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012923:Social Class; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors