Now like any serious area of historical study, British Home Children generates, interest, discussion and a growing degree of controversy.
But whichever side you come down on, it is incumbent to read as much as you can about the migration of young people to Canada, Australia and other bits of the old British Empire ranging from the economic and social background of late 19th century Britain, to the complex motivation of those involved, and the impact on the young people.
It is, I would argue never enough to fall back on generalizations, glib summaries, or outrage without carefully looking at both the big picture and the smaller one which involved the little stories.
To this end I welcome Lori Oschefski’s article on two books about the migration policy.
One of which I have yet to read and the other which is an old friend.
The two books are “Labouring Children” by Joy Parr and “Uprooted” by Roy Parker.
I first bought a copy of “Labouring Children” seven years ago, when I was beginning my own journey of discovery about British Home Children.
And this Christmas, our Saul bought me an original copy published in 1980, which makes for interesting reading when compared with the revised edition which came out twenty years late, which highlights that simple observation that the study of BHC is evolving, with fresh evidence coming to light which challenge earlier interpretations and assumption.
Some of those new interpretations may prove uncomfortable to some, but then history is messy.
So with that in mind I shall just point you to the link to Loris article.*
Picture; cover, Labouring Children British Immigrant Apprentices to Canada, 1869-1924, Parr, Joy, Toronto Press, 2000 edition
*Indentured servants, https://upsanddownsofhomechildren.wordpress.com/2019/01/16/indentured-servants/
It is, I would argue never enough to fall back on generalizations, glib summaries, or outrage without carefully looking at both the big picture and the smaller one which involved the little stories.
To this end I welcome Lori Oschefski’s article on two books about the migration policy.
One of which I have yet to read and the other which is an old friend.
The two books are “Labouring Children” by Joy Parr and “Uprooted” by Roy Parker.
I first bought a copy of “Labouring Children” seven years ago, when I was beginning my own journey of discovery about British Home Children.
And this Christmas, our Saul bought me an original copy published in 1980, which makes for interesting reading when compared with the revised edition which came out twenty years late, which highlights that simple observation that the study of BHC is evolving, with fresh evidence coming to light which challenge earlier interpretations and assumption.
Some of those new interpretations may prove uncomfortable to some, but then history is messy.
So with that in mind I shall just point you to the link to Loris article.*
Picture; cover, Labouring Children British Immigrant Apprentices to Canada, 1869-1924, Parr, Joy, Toronto Press, 2000 edition
*Indentured servants, https://upsanddownsofhomechildren.wordpress.com/2019/01/16/indentured-servants/
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