Societal openness refers to the extent to which individuals are able to cross group boundaries in social interactions such as partner selection. A central question in the research on partner selection (and social mobility) is whether societal openness increased during the 19th century. Modernisation theory - and the closely related ...
(Show more)Societal openness refers to the extent to which individuals are able to cross group boundaries in social interactions such as partner selection. A central question in the research on partner selection (and social mobility) is whether societal openness increased during the 19th century. Modernisation theory - and the closely related 'thesis of industrialism' - claims that due to the growing importance of bureaucracy and formal recruitment procedures, society gradually became more meritocratic, in the sense that the importance of social origin in determining life chances diminished. In such a society, the social position of the fathers of the spouses is expected to have a less important role in the partner selection process.
This vision is questioned in several ways. First, class formation theory proposes an alternative explanation for the (possible) rise of openness. This theory accepts that social barriers weakened, but that this was a partial process mainly affecting the pattern of social interaction between lower class groups. This led to a new form of closure, namely to the emergence of a more homogenous, self-recruiting and therefore self-conscious working class group. Secondly, there are indications that there were high rates of fluidity between the lower class groups very early in the 19th century. Possible reasons for this include 'urban crisis' (a combination of economic transition, migration and decreasing standard of living), which
diminished paternal relevance and power.
Endogamy according to social origin is analysed in a comparative perspective using information from marriage certificates from Flemish cities (Leuven, Aalst and Gent; 1800-1913) and English districts (1839-1914). In this analysis, a new system for the classification of historical occupational titles is used (HISCO/SOCPO).
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