The Shrinking Stature of American Workers: A Closer Look at the Professions
The average height of Americans has been decreasing over generations, with a divide among professions. Public officials, athletes, entertainers, and managers tend to be taller, while blue-collar occupations such as cleaners, farmhands, machine operators, and food service workers are among the shortest. The variance in height may be due to bias in hiring taller candidates for leadership roles. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, and access to healthcare also play a role in height. The decline in height in the US coincided with a rise in childhood obesity and a decrease in access to food assistance during crucial growth years. Inequality and the ability to afford adequate nutrition and healthcare also contribute to height differences.
