1st Edition
Social Change in the Industrial Revolution An Application of Theory to the British Cotton Industry
First Published in 2005. The following study analyses several sequences of differentiation and a attempt to apply social theory to history. Such an analysis naturally calls for two components: (1) a segment of social theory; and (2) an empirical instance of change. For the first the author has selected a model of social change from a developing general theory of action; for the second, the British industrial revolution between 1770 and 1840. From this large revolution is the isolated the growth of the cotton industry and the transformation of the family structure of its working classes.
SOCIAL CHANGE IN THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: N J SMELSER
CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE xi
Chapter
I Introduction 1
II Some Empty Theoretical Boxes 7
III Filling the Boxes 21
IV Structural Differentiation in Spinning 50
V Structural Differentiation in Spinning (continued) 80
VI Structural Differentiation in Spinning (concluded) 109
VII Structural Differentiation in Weaving 129
VIII Refilling the Boxes 158
IX Pressures on the Family Division of Labour 180
X Symptoms of Disturbance in the Family 225
XI Differentiation of the Family Structure: Factory Legislation 265
XII New Conditions of Employment: The Evolution of Trade Unions 313
XIII Structural Change in Consumption and Savings: The Poor Law, Friendly Societies, Savings Banks, and Co-operative Societies 342
XIV The Question of Explanation in Working-class History 384
XV Summary of the Analysis 402 Bibliography 409
Index 434
Biography
Neil J. Smelser
