Black and White Labor Market Outcomes in the 19th Century American South

44 Pages Posted: 15 Aug 2007

See all articles by Scott Alan Carson

Scott Alan Carson

University of Texas of the Permian Basin; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

Date Written: August 2007

Abstract

Modern labor studies consider the relationship between wages and biological markers. A relevant historical question is the relationship between occupational status and biological markers. This study demonstrates that 19th century stature and BMIs were significant in Texas occupation selection; however, stature and BMIs were not significant in the decision to participate in the Southwest's labor market. In the post-bellum south, labor markets were segregated, and white laborers were at a distinct occupational and social advantage relative to their black counterparts. It is documented here that the probability of being farmers and unskilled workers were comparable by race. However, whites had greater access to white-collar and skilled occupations.

Keywords: 19th century US labor markets, labor force participation, stature and BMI

JEL Classification: J15, J24, J70, N31

Suggested Citation

Carson, Scott Alan, Black and White Labor Market Outcomes in the 19th Century American South (August 2007). CESifo Working Paper Series No. 2079, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1006984 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1006984

Scott Alan Carson (Contact Author)

University of Texas of the Permian Basin ( email )

4901 East University
Odessa, TX 79762
United States

CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

Poschinger Str. 5
Munich, DE-81679
Germany

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