Embodying Abundance and Scarcity in Minnesota, 1830-1930 - A presentation by Evan Roberts April 25, 2012

Evan Roberts (History) reports on recent work with John Himes (Epidemiology), Christopher Isett (History), and J. Michael Oakes (Epidemiology) using historical sources and socio-biological methods to investigate how economic, environmental, and social conditions shaped people's life chances by shaping their bodies. The team used height, weight, and social and medical information from approximately 8,000 Minnesotans born after 1830 to pinpoint periods of nutritional abundance and scarcity, and compare changes in Minnesota to regional and national trends. Was Minnesota distinctive? How was Minnesota different, and why? Their analysis reveals how social differences in the population and the environment resulted in readable differences in physical well-being.

Part of the University Symposium on Abundance & Scarcity.

Official Website: http://www.ias.umn.edu/symposiumcal.php