Original scientific paper

Does Urban Poverty Increase Body Fluctuating Asymmetry?

Barış Özener

Abstract

Perturbations during development leave enduring signs on the adult body. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) is a good
bio-indicator of stress during ontogeny. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of urban poverty on the fluctuating
asymmetry of young Turkish males. Young males from a lower socioeconomic group (N=140, Mean age=18.17±0.61)
were selected from slum areas of Ankara, the capital of Turkey, where urban poverty is intense. An upper socioeconomic
group, on the other hand, consisted of students from two private colleges and included children from some of the richest
families in Turkey (N=120, Mean age=18.08±0.54). Eight anthropometric traits of all subjects were measured. Considering
the seven measurements demonstrate ideal FA, the individuals living in poor areas of the city displayed higher
FA. The discrepancy between the two groups was even greater for a measure of composite FA. In conclusion, poor living
conditions in Ankara, where urban poverty is intense, adversely impact the developmental stability of young Turkish
males.

Keywords

fluctuating asymmetry; developmental instability; urban poverty; socioeconomic status

Hrčak ID:

75599

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/75599

Publication date:

30.12.2011.

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