The traditional role of women in a Newfoundland fishing community

Murray, Hilda Emily Louise (1972) The traditional role of women in a Newfoundland fishing community. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This dissertation is based on tape-recorded interviews made with twenty-three informants during fieldwork carried out in the Trinity Bay community of Elliston during the period May-September 1970, and on research done at the Provincial Archives and at the "Newfoundland Room", Memorial University Library, St. John’s, during 1969-1971. -- The aim of this study is to show the extremely important role women played in a fishing community during the period 19OO-195O. To do this, I have presented a composite picture of a woman's life from the "cradle to the grave". Following the opening chapters which deal with methodology and the history and geography of the community, I take up pregnancy, birth, and babyhood, with its attendant beliefs, customs, and practices. Then I consider a girl's childhood - games played, schooling, and work load. This is followed by a chapter on the young adult - her role expectations, entertainment, work load, and courtship and marriage customs and practices. The next three chapters deal with "women's work", both inside and outside the house, through all seasons of the year, living and working conditions in the home, and feeding and health practices. This is followed by a chapter which deals with the woman's involvement in church and church-oriented social activities and her participation in death and funeral arrangements. My conclusion summarizes the changes that have occurred in the twenty-year interval 1950-1970. -- Thus I have given a generalized description of the community's culture and its value system - a picture of the folklife. Most of the folkways herein described no longer exist in the community, partly because a way of life has vanished as Elliston no longer has a viable fishing industry. -- My description is specific and concentrated on Elliston - one small community. But, I feel much I have described would be true (though with obvious variations) for many other fishing communities in Newfoundland.

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