The kinds of work and divisions of labour this century: a survey of Bellingham, a border market town

This is a sociological study of Bellingham, a border market town. This community is an evolved aggregation of institutions and naturally occurring social groups. Whilst it has a certain territorial affinity and characteristics which are attributable to local history and evolved standards and values associated with this, its most obvious traits are the persisting sense of belonging generated in its members and the peculiar dynamic social system it supports. Constant change and adjustment take place in response to overlapping multi-directional chain reactions arising from nation wide extrinsic influences and internal development. Work in its broadest sense is the primary focus of this research and a qualitative approach is adopted, seventy-two current members being interviewed, using a semi structured interview technique. However, participant observation, questionnaires, a local survey and documentary evidence including archival material are also valuable source material. The changing make up of household groups, local kinship patterns, unpaid work, including caring and employment are examined in depth. It was found that there is a strong controlling effect on the members, the majority of whom were born there. Primary socialization tends to induce women to accept their role as wives and mothers. Household groups of origin continue to give support as long as they exist and whilst the last member used to be incorporated into a younger household group, he/she tends to be supported by a combination of state aid, kin help and neighbour support within his/her own home, today. Markedly patrilineal for most of this century, longevity and employment patterns have brought change to a society which is marginally matrilineal, today. Unmarried children live within their household group of origin until marriage. Employment together with changes in transport have brought about greater stability within household groups and less geographical movement of families. Members of the community tend to live and work in/from the village today, professional members being the most likely to be geographically mobile