MICRO FICHE 3205
Keywords: Maine, Economic Conditions, Social Conditions
Abstract
This dissertation is a detailed ethnographic description of a small fishing community in Maine. The study deals with the present socio-economic structure of the community and its social background, and attempts to show the nature of the processes of socio-economic transformation from the time of settlement in the mid-18th century up to the present.
My field study utilized the usual anthropological method of participant-observation, along with historical materials obtained from several major libraries located throughout the state.
Peace Harbour is a dispersed community consisting of nine hamlets which were historically quite isolated. Lumbering, granite quarrying, subsistence fishing, and some commercial fin fishing provided the original economic base. By the late 19th century, both lumbering and quarrying were in sharp decline, and the 20th century has been dominated more and more by commercial fishing involving many marine species. This development increased more dramatically after World War II, and most strikingly from the late 1960's onward. During this period, improved transportation facilities and increased demand for fresh fish led to an increase in the number of people involved in fishing and related activities. In addition, Federal Government programs such as FHA loans (for purchase and improvement of boats and gear, or for purchase of lobster pounds) led to greater local productivity and attracted still more people into the industry.
The increase in population, most marked since the 1970's, has brought with it a striking increase in social diversity in the community. Whereas at one time the major social division was between fishing and non-fishing families, today at least six major groups can be distinguished. And whereas at one time there was a single union church to which all residents belonged, the major religious activity now centres on two relatively new institutions, the Church of God (Pentecostal) and the Kingdom Hall (Jehovah's Witnesses).
A major conclusion of this study is that the usual view of such communities as conservative, tradition-oriented, and static is a stereotype which has little basis in reality. Even though this community retains a distinctive Yankee flavor, and might at first glance appear to justify the stereotypical description, it is clear that enormous changes have taken place here, affecting everything from work habits to gender relations.
Back to Theses HomeOctober 3, 2007
