Is There a Gradient in Life Span by Position in the Social Hierarchy?
) (Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Institute for Work & Health, Population Health Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research) Christopher B McLeod (Institute for Work & Health) Cameron A Mustard (Institute for Work & Heath, Population Health Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto) Greg L Stoddart (Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto) Abstract Objectives – To examine within an economically homogeneous group whether there is a gradient in life span by position in the social hierarchy. Methods – Using birth and death information for British peers and baronets, we calculated average life span (in years) for first- and inherited-title holders separately, by century of birth, and by peerage type. As well, we regressed life spans on peerage type, adjusting for century of birth and age at award. Resul
