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Some factors affecting marital distances in the Outer Hebrides
E J Clegg1, T J Ringrose, J F Cross
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Journal of Biosocial Science
|September 25, 1998
Summary
Marital distances in the Outer Hebrides decreased historically, then increased, influenced by occupation and settlement patterns. Fishing communities and denser settlements showed shorter marriage distances.
Area of Science:
- Demographic history
- Social geography
- Anthropology
Background:
- Investigates factors influencing marital distances in Harris and Barra (Outer Hebrides) from 1855-1990.
- Examines historical trends and socio-economic influences on marriage patterns.
Observation:
- Marital distances decreased pre-1900, then increased significantly post-1950s.
- Fishermen married shorter distances; land-based occupations married longer distances.
- Settlement density correlated with marital distance, with sparser areas showing greater distances.
Findings:
- Fishing industry downturns correlated with reduced marital distances.
- Harris showed a trend towards endogamy and short-distance marriage, weakening post-1955.
- Barra exhibited no correlation between marital frequency and distance post-1955, suggesting spatial distribution as the primary constraint.
Implications:
- Marriage patterns are influenced by economic conditions, occupation, and settlement geography.
- The concept of 'Central Place' in marriage patterns emerged post-1946, primarily in settlements near Tarbert and Castlebay.
- Findings contribute to understanding historical mating systems and spatial social dynamics.
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