Family Structure in Nineteenth Century Lancashire

Abstract

A sociological study of the impact of urban-industrial life on the kinship system of the working classes in nineteenth-century Lancashire. Dr Anderson asks 'Why should people he interested in maintaining relationships with kin rather than with other members of their social networks?' He explores this question through an analysis of Lancashire data which shows that life in factory towns posed major problems for the inhabitants which could best be met by help from kin. In the course of his study the author presents new data on household structure, residence patterns and population turnover within the towns, migration patterns, the incidence of poverty, the role of the family in finding homes and employment for relatives, the age of marriage, parent-child conflicts, and baby-minding of the children of working mothers. He draws specific comparisons between the situations in rural Lancashire and pre-famine Ireland and sets his findings in a wider historical and cross-cultural context. This book will interest scholars and graduates specializing in sociology and history and will serve as a valuable reference book for undergraduates.