Social class and diachronic trends in physique in young university women

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
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.