Date of Award

Fall 2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

History

Director of Thesis

Dr. S. Wright Kennedy

Second Reader

Dr. Bridget Miller

Abstract

This study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to investigate racial and spatial inequalities in South Carolina infant mortality rates (IMR’s) between 1920-1970. In the 20th century, IMR’s declined throughout the United States, primarily due to economic growth, increased sanitation, and improved medical knowledge. Factors such as systemic racism and lack of healthcare access resulted in higher IMR’s for Black infants and infants living in rural areas. In 1920, South Carolina’s Black IMR was 1.5 times higher than the white IMR; by 1970 the difference expanded to 1.9, reflecting a 27% rise. The disparity between Black and white IMR’s increased in 1950, which coincided with a decrease in the number of Black midwives in the 20th century. The counties in the Florence hospital region and along the I-95 corridor, areas where Black residents made up the largest percentage of the population, experienced some of the highest IMR’s between 1920 and 1970. A 1953 hospital construction plan aimed to address rural healthcare inequalities; however, the largest grants were given to counties outside the I-95 corridor, despite the highest IMR’s being located along I-95. An extensive analysis of mortality statistics, prenatal treatment options, and healthcare access identifies possible causes for disparities in IMR’s.

First Page

1

Last Page

61

Rights

© 2024, Allison Ritchie

Download

Share

COinS