Sex Differences in Infant Mortality in Spitalfields, London, 1750–1839

Abstract

This study examines sex differences in infant mortality in Spitalfields, London, and the estimated contribution of endogenous and exogenous factors to neonatal and infant mortality using the biometric model from 1750 to 1839. There was a marked decline in the risk of death during infancy and the neonatal period for both sexes during the study period. There was significant excess male infant mortality compared with that of females in the 1750-59 cohort, estimated from baptism and burial registers, but not in later cohorts. Similarly, males had higher neonatal mortality rates than females in 1750-59 but not in later cohorts. Biometric analyses suggest that the observed decrease in neonatal mortality in both sexes was caused by a reduction in both endogenous and exogenous causes of death. The contribution of maternal health and breast-feeding practices to the observed patterns of mortality is discussed in the light of available evidence.

Early life histories of the London poor using δ13C and δ15N stable isotope incremental dentine sampling

“…It is known that male children are more susceptible to stress and infant mortality than females (Naeye et al, 1971). These observations demonstrate that physiological differences can account for differences in infant mortality (as observed in Humphrey et al 2012) but it is not yet clear how they might impact on the subtle differences observed in d 13 C and d 15 N. One possible explanation is that such physiological differences only become apparent under conditions of nutritional or biological stress during childhood. These observations demonstrate that physiological differences can account for differences in infant mortality (as observed in Humphrey et al 2012) but it is not yet clear how they might impact on the subtle differences observed in d 13 C and d 15 N. One possible explanation is that such physiological differences only become apparent under conditions of nutritional or biological stress during childhood.…”

“…In a review of the effects of sex hormones on the immune system, Bouman et al (2005) report that females have a greater immune response and resistance to pathogens than males. These observations demonstrate that physiological differences can account for differences in infant mortality (as observed in Humphrey et al 2012) but it is not yet clear how they might impact on the subtle differences observed in d 13 C and d 15 N. One possible explanation is that such physiological differences only become apparent under conditions of nutritional or biological stress during childhood. One of the effects could be on efficiency of metabolism (or possibly digestion) of limited proteins, with females outcompeting the males.…”

“…Historical documentation relating to a difference in male and female early diets is lacking. Humphrey et al (2012) do report variation between male and female infant mortality at various intervals throughout the Post-medieval period, oscillating at some points between greater male or female survival. They suggest one possible cause of increased infant mortality was a change in infant feeding practices and maternal health, variably affecting one sex more than the other throughout the Post-medieval period.…”

Interpreting adult stature in industrial London

“…There is historical evidence of preferential parental investment in males, particularly in times of population expansion (Voland et al, ), that may have influenced infant feeding practices. Excess mortality among female infants from Christ Church (Spitalfields, London) during the second half of the eighteenth century has been speculatively attributed to a shorter duration of breastfeeding and/or the introduction of lower quality complementary foods (Humphrey et al, ).…”

Age estimation of immature human skeletal remains from the metaphyseal and epiphyseal widths of the long bones in the post‐natal period

“…Like the Lisbon sample, this sample represents individuals from an urban context. According to the historical records of the parish the individuals were middle-to upper-class, but they would have been exposed to poor sanitation, contaminated or adulterated foods and the impact of an increasing population density and socioeconomic decline within the parish (Humphrey, Bello, & Rousham, 2012;Lewis, 2002). The civil registration or coffin plates of individuals in both collections provide information about date of birth and death.…”