Uncharted with Hannah Fry 1. The Returning Soldier
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Sep 25, 2023 Hannah Fry, a researcher delving into the intriguing spike in male births in 1970s UK, joins the conversation to unravel this demographic mystery. As Britain faced economic turmoil in 1973, she connects the dots between the 'returning soldier effect' and fluctuating birth ratios. The discussion extends to how historical events and social changes, like rising teenage pregnancies, shape gender dynamics. Fry highlights the complex interplay of hormonal and environmental factors influencing sex ratios, offering a captivating look at a pivotal year in history.
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Unusual 1973 Baby Boy Birth Spike
- The baby boy to girl birth ratio in England and Wales peaked in 1973-74 at its highest in the 20th century.
- This unusual spike happened amidst a backdrop of political and economic crisis in the UK.
Returning Soldier Effect Explained
- The sex ratio at birth normally favors boys with about 104 boys per 100 girls.
- This ratio spikes notably during and just after major wars, known as the "returning soldier effect."
Bill James' Obsessive Research
- Bill James dedicated decades to researching the human sex ratio, working obsessively from a squalid basement flat.
- He cycled London to find new data and maintained extensive correspondence worldwide while avoiding typical academic duties.