Early Victorian Household Structure

The need to study the historical roots of the household is gradually becoming accepted, although as yet methods of approach are still being developed and debated. For the student of the mid-nineteenth century, the census enumerators' books provide basic data for such an enquiry. They give the occupation, marital status, age and birth place for every member of each household in all registration districts throughout the country. In order to exploit this information effectively, a sophisticated methodology is required. One has been suggested by Dr W. A. Armstrong. It involves selecting a sample of households from a district, and translating the information thus gained into numerical form, which can then be placed onto punched cards. By sorting them mechanically it becomes possible to make a whole series of quantitative statements about the households, such as their mean sizes, the numbers headed by widows, etc. This method has attracted some support, but it has not been without its critics. Some have voiced general scepticism about “quantitative” history; others have questioned specific points. In rejoinders Armstrong has backed up his arguments with illustrations from his researches into York as well as with some of my own Nottinghamshire results. However, these discussions have been conducted in something of a vacuum. This is an indication that there is now room

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• Familia, unidad familiar y hogar

  Open Access•Linda Greenow•El Taller de la Historia•2023

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• In Search of the Urban Middle Class

  Open Access•R J Morris, Roseanne Morris•Urban History•1976

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• Economic and Social Change in a Midland Town. Victorian Nottingham, 1815- 1900

  B R Mitchell, R A Church et al.•The Economic Journal•1967

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• An Introduction to English Historical Demography

  Louis Henry, E A Wrigley•Population Studies•1967

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• Peasant Marriage in Ireland

  Open Access•K H Connell, Kate Connell•The Economic History Review•1962

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• Social Structure from the Early Census Returns

  W A Armstrong•The Economic History Review•1968

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• Social Structure from the Early Census Returns

  Roderick Floud, R C Floud et al.•The Economic History Review•1968

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