Analysing the Contribution of Causes of Death to Sex Differences in Life Expectancy at Birth in 20th-Century Italy and Greece

Michail Raftakis, Department of Statistical Sciences - University of Bologna
Gabriele Ruiu, Università degli Studi di Sassari
Lucia Pozzi, Università degli Studi di Sassari

Numerous studies have explored the mortality disadvantage among females, often attributing it to "natural conditions," but biological factors alone do not explain the fluctuating male disadvantage observed over the past century. This paper examines the changing patterns of sex differences in life expectancy at birth in 20th-century Italy and Greece. While Italy has been extensively studied, Greece remains relatively unexplored. The study aims to analyse the impact of different causes of death on life expectancy at birth, shedding light on the reasons behind the overall male disadvantage and how these factors have evolved over time. Using various decomposition methods, the study examines the sex gap by age group and cause of death, utilizing aggregate mortality statistics from 1901 to 1981 for Italy and from 1921 to 1938 and 1956 to 1981 for Greece. Causes of death are categorized into 14 distinct groups to ensure comparability across populations and time. The approach allows a detailed analysis of age, causes of death, and gender disparities in life expectancy within these Mediterranean populations. The study expects to identify shifts in factors contributing to male disadvantage, from early-life disparities and infectious diseases to issues emerging in older age, such as neoplasms and circulatory diseases.

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Historical Demography, Decomposition analysis

See extended abstract.