Household Strategies for Survival 1600-2000: Fission, Faction and Cooperation (International Review of Social History Supplements) [Paperback]

Laurence Fontaine (Editor), Jürgen Schlumbohm (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 23, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0521001420 | ISBN-13: 978-0521001427 | Edition: 1

In preindustrial Europe, as in developing countries today, much of the population had to struggle to survive. The livelihood of all those who lived by the work of their hands was highly insecure. This book considers the "laboring poor" not simply as victims, but as actively pursuing a whole range of strategies for survival. Sometimes, strategies were successfully integrated within a household, while in other instances the domestic group was split and members preferred to pursue individual strategies. This illuminating book examines the European past using case studies from present-day situations in Asia and Africa.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The editors have brought together an outstanding collection of papers related to the past and the present of household strategies.' Besprechungen

Book Description

This book considers the 'labouring poor' not simply as victims, but as actively pursuing a whole range of strategies for survival. These strategies included many economic activities. Building and maintaining networks of kinship and neighbourhood was equally important, as was negotiating support from institutions. Sometimes, strategies were successfully integrated within a household, while in other instances the domestic group was split and members preferred to pursue individual strategies. This illuminating book examines the European past using case studies from present-day situations in Asia and Africa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (April 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521001420
• ISBN-13: 978-0521001427
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,821,494 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)