Social Inequality in Mortality in Rural Spain (1820-2010): The Role of Education and Human Capital.

Francisco J. Marco-Gracia, Universidad de Zaragoza
Víctor A. Luque de Haro, Universidad de Almería

This study investigates the role of education in shaping social disparities in mortality in rural Spain over the past two centuries. Utilizing individual-level life-course microdata on over 36,900 individuals, the study examines variables such as socioeconomic status, age at death, and various family, cultural, and environmental factors. Event history analysis tracks the lifespans of all individuals who died at age seven or older across 17 villages. Our findings indicate that literacy and higher levels of education positively impact longevity. This beneficial effect extends in multiple directions: human capital not only enhances individual longevity but also improves the survival and well-being of children and parents. Therefore, investing in one's own or one's children's education promotes not only personal longevity but also the well-being of those around them. The reasons behind these patterns could be diverse, including the ability to adapt lifestyles to medical and health advancements (evidenced by the intensified effect of literacy from the late 19th century when hygienic knowledge became widespread), as well as higher skill levels and less physically demanding occupations.

Keywords: Mortality and Longevity, Human Capital, Education, and Work, Biodemography and genetics, Historical Demography

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