Citation

Kirkpatrick EL. Am. J. Sociol. 1935; 40(4): 495-502.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1935, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/216825

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In order to learn something of the functioning of farm families which are confronted by emergencies, a study was made of the conditions in 1929 and again in 1932 of more than 100 Wisconsin families. Sharp reductions in income, owing mainly to reduction in receipts, necessitated for these families marked adjustments in their consuming habits and their participation in certain activities. That these adjustments are akin to fully as far-reaching adjustments in functioning over a longer period of years appears from a study of farm families selected according to four stages of family development. The functioning through these stages is noticeably affected by surrounding conditions.