Chapter I: Preface

I am glad to take this opportunity to acknowledge the use I have made of a manuscript written by Mrs. Charlotte Wilson, Hon. Secretary of the Fabian Women’s Group. The manuscript was founded on a lecture, entitled “The Economic Disintegration of the Family,” delivered by Mrs. Wilson to the Fabian Society in June, 1909. Not only ideas contained in the lecture, but also some of the wording of the manuscript, have been used in the last two chapters.

I wish also to thank Dr. Ethel Bentham for the invaluable professional service rendered by her during the five years of the investigation.

M. S. REEVES.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. THE DISTRICT 1

II. THE PEOPLE 8

III. HOUSING 21

IV. FURNITURE—SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION—EQUIPMENT
FOR COOKING AND BATHING 46

V. THRIFT 66

VI. BUDGETS 75

VII. FOOD: CHIEF ARTICLES OF DIET 94

VIII. BUYING, STORING, AND CARING FOR FOOD 104

IX. ACTUAL MENUS OF SEVERAL WORKING MEN’S
FAMILIES 113

X. AMOUNT SPENT A HEAD ON FOOD—PER
WEEK, PER DAY 132

XI. THE POOR AND MARRIAGE 146

XII. MOTHERS’ DAYS 159

XIII. THE CHILDREN 176

XIV. THE PEOPLE WHO ARE OUT OF WORK 195

XV. THE STANDARD OF COMFORT 211

XVI. THE STATE AS GUARDIAN 223

ROUND ABOUT A POUND A WEEK