What are the key themes in E.P. Thompson’s “Customs in Common”. How does it relate to The Making of the English Working Class. What insights does it provide into 18th-century English social history.
E.P. Thompson’s Landmark Exploration of English Working-Class Culture
“Customs in Common” by E.P. Thompson is a seminal work that delves into the rich tapestry of English working-class culture and traditions. As a sequel to his influential “The Making of the English Working Class,” this book offers a nuanced examination of the customs and practices that shaped the lives of ordinary people during a period of significant social and economic upheaval.
Thompson’s meticulous research and engaging prose bring to life the complex world of 18th-century England, where traditional ways of life were increasingly under threat from modernization and legal reforms. The book explores how the working class fought to preserve their customs and traditions in the face of these changes, offering a unique perspective on the social history of the period.
The Struggle to Preserve Traditional Customs in a Changing World
One of the central themes of “Customs in Common” is the tension between traditional practices and the forces of modernization. Thompson examines how villagers and working-class people resisted changes that threatened their way of life, becoming “rebellious, but rebellious in defence of custom.”
This resistance took many forms, from food riots to the preservation of folk traditions. Thompson’s analysis reveals the complexity of these struggles, showing how they were not simply about preserving the past, but about asserting the rights and dignity of ordinary people in the face of powerful social and economic forces.
Food Riots and Women’s Participation
Thompson’s exploration of food riots from the 16th century onwards provides valuable insights into the role of women in popular protest. By highlighting the “vigorous presence of women” in these events, he challenges traditional narratives of social history and offers a more nuanced understanding of gender relations in early modern England.
Decoding the Symbolism of Traditional Practices
One of the most fascinating aspects of “Customs in Common” is Thompson’s analysis of the symbolism embedded in traditional practices. He pays careful attention to fragmentary evidence, using it to decode the meanings behind various customs and rituals.
Shaming Rituals and “Rough Music”
Thompson examines the practice of “rough music,” a form of community shaming ritual used to enforce social norms. By unpacking the symbolism and significance of these events, he provides insights into the moral economy of working-class communities and the ways in which they regulated behavior.
The Ritual of “Wife Sale”
Another intriguing custom explored in the book is the practice of “wife sale,” a form of ritual divorce. Thompson’s analysis of this practice sheds light on the complexities of marriage and gender relations in working-class communities, challenging simplistic assumptions about the nature of family life in the past.
The Legal System and Its Impact on Traditional Customs
Thompson’s work emphasizes the role of the legal system in the erosion of traditional customs. As the law became increasingly hostile to customary practices, villagers and working-class people found themselves at odds with authorities and landowners.
This conflict between custom and law is a recurring theme throughout the book, highlighting the ways in which legal reforms and modernization often came at the expense of traditional ways of life. Thompson’s analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the social tensions that emerged as a result of these changes.
The Relevance of “Customs in Common” in the Modern World
“Customs in Common” offers valuable insights that extend beyond its historical context. As traditional economies around the world are increasingly replaced by market economies, Thompson’s work provides a framework for understanding the social and cultural implications of these changes.
The book’s exploration of how communities resist and adapt to economic and social transformations resonates with contemporary global issues. It offers lessons for understanding the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in societies undergoing rapid change.
E.P. Thompson’s Unique Approach to Social History
Thompson’s methodology in “Customs in Common” exemplifies his innovative approach to social history. By combining rigorous research with empathy and imagination, he brings the past to life in a way that few historians can match.
The Use of Diverse Sources
One of the strengths of Thompson’s work is his use of a wide range of sources to reconstruct the lives and experiences of ordinary people. From court records to folk songs, he draws on diverse materials to build a rich and nuanced picture of working-class culture.
Bridging History and Anthropology
Thompson’s approach in “Customs in Common” blurs the lines between history and anthropology. His careful analysis of rituals, customs, and symbolic practices demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the past.
Critical Reception and Lasting Impact
“Customs in Common” has been widely praised for its depth of insight and rich scholarship. Critics have hailed Thompson’s ability to combine erudition with empathy, creating a work that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply humane.
The book’s impact extends beyond academic circles, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationships between tradition, modernity, and social change. Its enduring relevance is a testament to Thompson’s skill as a historian and his ability to illuminate the connections between past and present.
Exploring the Themes of “Customs in Common”
To fully appreciate the richness of Thompson’s work, it’s worth exploring some of the key themes in more detail:
The Moral Economy
Thompson’s concept of the “moral economy” is central to his analysis of working-class culture. This idea refers to the shared norms and expectations that governed economic relationships in traditional communities. How did the moral economy shape social interactions and resistance to change?
- It provided a framework for judging fair prices and practices
- It justified collective action against perceived injustices
- It helped maintain social cohesion in the face of economic pressures
Time and Work Discipline
The transition from traditional to industrial modes of production had profound effects on how people experienced and understood time. Thompson explores how new forms of work discipline clashed with traditional concepts of time and leisure. What were the implications of this shift for working-class culture?
- It led to conflicts over the pace and rhythm of work
- It challenged traditional patterns of socializing and recreation
- It contributed to the development of new forms of working-class organization
Ritual and Symbolism
Thompson’s analysis of rituals and symbolic practices reveals the complex ways in which communities expressed their values and regulated behavior. How did these customs contribute to the maintenance of social order and the expression of collective identity?
- They reinforced shared norms and expectations
- They provided a means of resolving conflicts and tensions
- They helped preserve cultural traditions in the face of social change
Gender and Social Relations
Throughout “Customs in Common,” Thompson pays close attention to the role of women in working-class culture. His analysis challenges traditional assumptions about gender roles and highlights the active participation of women in shaping community life. What insights does this perspective offer into the nature of gender relations in early modern England?
- It reveals the complex and often fluid nature of gender roles
- It highlights the importance of women’s economic contributions
- It shows how gender intersected with class in shaping social experiences
Resistance and Accommodation
A recurring theme in Thompson’s work is the ways in which working-class people both resisted and accommodated themselves to social and economic changes. How did this dynamic play out in different contexts, and what does it reveal about the nature of social change?
- It shows the creativity and resilience of working-class communities
- It highlights the complex negotiations between tradition and modernity
- It reveals the limits and possibilities of popular resistance
The Legacy of “Customs in Common”
E.P. Thompson’s “Customs in Common” continues to influence historians, anthropologists, and social scientists. Its methodological innovations and insightful analysis have opened up new avenues for research and interpretation in social history.
Influence on Social History
Thompson’s work has inspired generations of historians to look beyond official records and elite perspectives to understand the experiences of ordinary people. How has this approach shaped the field of social history?
- It has led to a greater focus on popular culture and everyday life
- It has encouraged the use of diverse sources and interdisciplinary approaches
- It has challenged top-down narratives of historical change
Relevance to Contemporary Issues
The themes explored in “Customs in Common” continue to resonate with contemporary social and economic issues. How can Thompson’s insights inform our understanding of current struggles over tradition, modernization, and cultural identity?
- It offers a framework for analyzing the cultural impacts of globalization
- It provides historical context for contemporary debates about community and social cohesion
- It highlights the enduring importance of collective action and popular resistance
In conclusion, E.P. Thompson’s “Customs in Common” stands as a landmark work of social history, offering a rich and nuanced exploration of working-class culture in 18th-century England. Its combination of meticulous research, empathetic analysis, and theoretical insight continues to inspire and inform scholars and readers alike. By illuminating the complex ways in which ordinary people navigated the challenges of a changing world, Thompson’s work provides valuable perspectives on the nature of social change and the enduring power of tradition.
Customs in Common | The New Press
Customs in Common
Studies in Traditional Popular Culture
- E.P. Thompson
Here, at last, is Customs in Common, the remarkable sequel to E.P. Thompson’s influential, landmark volume of social history, The Making of the English Working Class. The product of years of research and debate, Customs in Common describes the complex culture from which working class institutions emerged in England—a panoply of traditions and customs that the new working class fought to preserve well into Victorian times.
In a text marked by both empathy and erudition, Thompson investigates the gradual disappearance of a range of cultural customs against the backdrop of the great upheavals of the eighteenth century. As villagers were subjected to a legal system increasingly hostile to custom, they tried both to resist and to preserve tradition, becoming, as Thompson explains, “rebellious, but rebellious in defence of custom.
” Although some historians have written of riotous peasants of England and Wales as if they were mainly a problem for magistrates and governments, for Thompson it is the rulers, landowners, and governments who were a problem for the people, whose exuberant culture preceded the formation of working-class institutions and consciousness.
Using a wide range of sources, Thompson shows how careful attention to fragmentary evidence helps to decode the fascinating symbolism of shaming rituals including “rough music,” and practices such as the ritual divorce known as “wife sale.” And in examining the vigorous presence of women in food riots from the sixteenth century onwards, he sheds further light on gender relations of the time.
Essential reading for all those intrigued by English history, Customs in Common has a special relevance today, as traditional economies are being replaced by market economies throughout the world. The rich scholarship and depth of insight in Thompson’s new work offer many clues to understanding contemporary changes around the globe.
Topics:
Praise
|
|
Books by E.P. Thompson
E. | Writings on History and Culture E.P. Thompson | England in a Revolutionary Age E.P. Thompson |
P. Thompson, Dorothy ThompsonGoodreads Reviews
Customs and Import Restrictions
Travel.State.Gov
U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS
Travel.State.Gov >
International Travel > Before You Go > Customs and Import Restrictions
Travel.State.Gov >
International Travel > Before You Go > Customs and Import Restrictions
Many countries have restrictions on what you can bring into that country, including food, pets, and medications. Even over-the-counter medications may be prohibited in some countries.
Check the International Travel Country Information page for your destination to find contact information for its foreign embassy or consulate. Visit the website of the foreign embassy or consulate to find out what is prohibited.
Customs Restrictions of Foreign Destinations – What You Cannot Take out of Other Countries
Some countries have restrictions on what items you can export or take with you when departing that country including, but not limited to:
- currency,
- gold and other precious metals,
- precious and semi-precious stones,
- electronic equipment not declared on arrival,
- firearms and ammunition,
- antiques,
- animal skins,
- religious artifacts and literature, and
- ivory and certain other wildlife parts and products.
Countries may require export permits, which may take time to process. Travelers who violate foreign customs rules can be detained at the airport, fined, have the items confiscated, and, in some cases, be prosecuted and sentenced to prison.
To be safe, check on customs restrictions with the foreign embassies and consulates in the United States for your destination country before you travel. You can find general information about a foreign country’s customs regulations in the International Travel Country Information (state.gov) pages .
U.S. Customs Restrictions – What You Cannot Bring Into the United States
There are some items that you cannot bring into the United States, or that you can bring in only under certain conditions. For information on U.S. customs regulations and procedures, see the Customs and Border Protection booklet “Know Before You Go.”
Many wildlife and wildlife products are prohibited from import into the United States, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You risk confiscation and a possible fine if you attempt to bring them into the United States. Watch out for the following prohibited items:
- All products made from sea turtles
- All ivory, both Asian and African elephant
- Rhinoceros horn and horn products
- Furs from spotted cats
- Furs and ivory from marine mammals
- Feathers and feather products from wild birds
- Most crocodile and caiman leather
- Most coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry
For more information, you may contact the U.
S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 1-800-344-9453, or send an email to the Fish and Wildlife Service at [email protected].
Last Updated: January 26, 2023
View all Travel Advisories
-
Traveler’s Checklist -
Safety and Security Messaging -
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) -
Traveler Information -
Crisis Abroad: Be Ready -
Your Health Abroad -
Driving and Road Safety Abroad -
Customs and Import Restrictions -
Information for U.
S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia
-
Lodging Safety -
FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023
S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia
Samara customs » CustomsOnline – All about customs for foreign economic activity participants, customs online
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alma-Atinskaya, 29, building 41 
/Fax: 8 (8482) 73 68 24
customs.ru
ru
customs.ru
