Aragonese Socieconomic Inequality at Death Database (ASIDD). Studying Mortality Changes Since the 1870s in a Population of Approximately one Million Individuals

Author(s)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52024/hlcs26294

Keywords:

Mortality data, Spain, Database

Abstract

Aragonese Socioeconomic Inequality at Death Database (ASIDD) is an ongoing project. Once finalized (expected in early 2029), it will contain mortality data for approximately 65% of all individuals who died in the Aragón region (Spain) between 1874 and 1994, primarily sourced from burial records. The project consists of two subprojects: one covering the period 1874–1939 and the other covering the period 1940–1994 (which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026). Aragón comprises 731 municipalities — ranging from small settlements to the city of Zaragoza (ca. 700,000 inhabitants) — with diverse geography, climate, and levels of development, spread over nearly 50,000 square kilometers. The database will include anonymized information on nearly one million individuals, including date and place of death (and often origin), age, sex, marital status, and presence of descendants at death. For about 75%, socioeconomic status is available, approximated through occupation and literacy, or that of close relatives. Additionally, for a representative sample of 30 urban, semi-urban, rural, and almost-depopulated localities, cause of death is known for nearly all individuals, based on civil registers and parish records. For each locality, information on access to health and emergency services is also available. ASIDD aims to enable the study of social inequality in mortality during the modern era, providing valuable insights into the determinants of health disparities.

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Author Biographies

  • Francisco J. Marco-Gracia, Universidad de Zaragoza & Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, Spain

    Francisco J. Marco-Gracia is affiliated with the Department of Applied Economics at the Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain) and the Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón. His research lies at the intersection of economic history and historical demography, with a particular focus on long-run mortality change, health inequalities, and family and human-capital dynamics in Spain.

  • María Pilar Rodrigo Val, Gobierno de Aragón & Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain

    María Pilar Rodrigo Val is affiliated with the Gobierno de Aragón and the Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain). She is a family physician by training, with professional experience in primary care and community medicine. She currently works at the Department of Health of the Government of Aragón, where her responsibilities are linked to public health administration and health-system policy. In parallel, she is pursuing a PhD in Medicine.

  • Judit Gil-Farrero, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain

    Judit Gil-Farrero is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bergamo (Italy). Previously, she held research positions at the University of Zaragoza and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain). A specialist in the history of science. Alongside her publication record, she has played an active role in academic service, standing out for her sustained involvement in the organization of scholarly associations, and international conferences.

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2026-06-01

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Marco-Gracia, F. J., Rodrigo Val, M. P., & Gil-Farrero, J. (2026). Aragonese Socieconomic Inequality at Death Database (ASIDD). Studying Mortality Changes Since the 1870s in a Population of Approximately one Million Individuals. Historical Life Course Studies, 16, 161-175. https://doi.org/10.52024/hlcs26294