Customs in Common

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Customs in Common is a remarkable sequel to E.P. Thompson's influential work on social history. It explores the complex culture from which working-class institutions emerged in England, highlighting the traditions and customs that the new working class sought to preserve into Victorian times. Through years of research, Thompson examines the gradual decline of cultural customs amid the upheavals of the eighteenth century. As villagers faced a legal system increasingly hostile to tradition, they resisted change, embodying a "rebelliousness in defense of custom." Unlike some historians who view the riotous actions of peasants merely as issues for authorities, Thompson argues that the true problem lay with the rulers and landowners, as the vibrant culture of the people predated the establishment of working-class consciousness. Utilizing a diverse range of sources, Thompson decodes the symbolism of shaming rituals, such as "rough music," and practices like "wife sale." He also highlights the active role of women in food riots from the sixteenth century, offering insights into gender relations of the era. This work is essential for anyone interested in English history and holds particular relevance today as traditional economies give way to market economies in the developing world. Thompson's rich scholarship provides valuable perspectives for understanding contemporary global changes.