We estimate the effects of social and cultural determinants on infant mortality, by distinguishing the impact on neonatal and post-neonatal mortality, in six German villages in the 19th Century. We use survival models for about 20,000 births occurring between 1800 to 1899, including a frailty term at the maternal level ...
(Show more)We estimate the effects of social and cultural determinants on infant mortality, by distinguishing the impact on neonatal and post-neonatal mortality, in six German villages in the 19th Century. We use survival models for about 20,000 births occurring between 1800 to 1899, including a frailty term at the maternal level and controlling for a set of biodemographic factors. We assume religious affiliation as the main covariate of our analysis, as it strictly correlates to cultural and social dimensions.
Previous historical studies have already assessed the effect of religious affiliation on infant mortality before, during and after the demographic transition. Historical infant mortality differentials according to religious affiliation have been mainly explained on the basis of socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics of the various religious groups. However, other studies have shown persistent differences in infant survivorship after controlling for several biodemographic factors and economic conditions.
Considering Germany in the past, the Jewish group clearly experienced lower infant mortality levels than other religious groups due to the more advanced hygienic standards, educational levels, social cohesion, and wider diffusion of fertility control. In addition, remarkable differences in infant mortality between Protestants and Catholics have been attributed to different breastfeeding and feeding practices, since Protestant mothers used to breastfeed more frequently and for longer periods. Less attention, however, has been devoted to the variations of the religious effect on infant mortality according to infant’s age.
By assuming that a variation in the infant death risks existed after the weaning period, we aim to assess the impact of religion in different monthly age groups. As religious groups could adapt differently to external conditions, we also intend to assess the interactions between religion and environmental factors (such as climate variations and seasonality).
(Show less)