Continuity and Change Among the Rhemish Proletariat : Preindustrial Textile Work in Family Perspective

Textile workers formed a major part of the population in Rheims at the end of the Old regime. Economic changes during the 18th century resulted in the near collapse of the French cottage proto-industry, resulting in the migration of a large number of unemployed male and female textile workers to the larger towns and cities. Family historical records are used to trace how families engaged in the textile business in Rheims responded to changing needs of the textile market. The study found evidence that weavers relied more on their family networks in and outside the city to deal with changing demands as there was an increased need in the market for diversification. The workforce became concentrated in new, larger family enterprises. Work was divided based on gender. Though female workers played an important role in the manufacturing process they were often marginalized and their contribution to the process was not properly quantified and perceived as complimentary to the contributions of the male members of the family. Single women and widows worked hard to survive and often could not afford to keep their children at home.(VRS)