Britain's work camp systems have never before been studied in depth. Highly readable, and based on thorough archival research and the reminiscences of those involved, this fascinating book addresses the relations between work, masculinity, training and citizen service.
The book is a comprehensive study, from the labour colonies of late Victorian and Edwardian Britain to the government instructional centres of the 1930s. It covers therapeutic communities for alcoholics, epileptics, prostitutes and 'mental defectives', as well as alternative communities founded by socialists, anarchists and nationalists in the hope of building a new world. It explores residential training schemes for women, many of which sought to develop 'soft bodies' fit for domestic service, while more mainstream camps were preoccupied with 'hardening' male bodies through heavy labour.
Working men's bodies will interest anyone specialising in modern British history, and those concerned with social policy, training policy, unemployment, and male identities.
- ISBN10 1526112531
- ISBN13 9781526112538
- Publish Date 16 May 2016 (first published 30 November 2013)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Manchester University Press
- Imprint Manchester University Press Melland Schill Studies
- Format eBook
- Pages 272
- Language English