The Western Australian Convicts

British convicts transported to Western Australia between 1850 and 1868 were not as positively selected regarding their human capital as early historical accounts suggest. The heights of the convicts were not statistically different from those of British prisoners who were not transported. While few...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian economic history review 2015-07, Vol.55 (2), p.163-186
Main Author: Meinzer, Nicholas J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Australia
biological standard of living
Colonial government
convicts
Economic conditions
Economic history
Human capital
N37
N97
numeracy
Occupations
Prisoners
Studies
Transport
United Kingdom
Western Australia
Workers
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Summary:British convicts transported to Western Australia between 1850 and 1868 were not as positively selected regarding their human capital as early historical accounts suggest. The heights of the convicts were not statistically different from those of British prisoners who were not transported. While few were skilled, the proportion of construction workers was higher than expected, consistent with selection for the needs of the colonial government's works on infrastructure. Data on inmates of Fremantle Prison allow validation of height measurements and occupational statements in the convict list. Australian‐born prisoners were taller than those who came from Britain as free immigrants.
ISSN:0004-8992
1467-8446
2832-157X
DOI:10.1111/aehr.12070