Is There a Gradient in Life Span by Position in the Social Hierarchy?

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. Results - There appears to be no gradient in life span by position in the social hierarchy even after accounting for cohort and selection effects. For inherited-title holders, peers of several peerage types have shorter life spans than peers in the lowest position in the social hierarchy. Conclusions - The lack of a gradient in life span by position in the social hierarchy suggests the need to continue exploring factors related to life within in economic hierarchy.