A Very Social Time: Crafting Community in Antebellum New England
Hansen (sociology, Brandeis Univ.) argues that defining men's realm as the "public" and women's as the "private" does not account for the roles both men and women played in creating the communities of antebellum New England. She believes that a third dimension she calls the "social" needs to be added. As an example, she cites the importance of visiting in the creation of the community. Visitors were frequently cited in diaries as providing opportunities to discuss current issues, work together, and help one another. Other aspects of antebellum life included in this study are friendship, gossip as an agent for controlling behavior, and the social aspects of church attendance. Hansen has made extensive use of diaries and correspondence in developing this study. Highly recommended for scholars and informed lay readers.Linda McEwan, Elgin Community Coll., Ill.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.