1. THE FRENCH-CANADIAN FAMILY CYCLE.
- Author
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Miner, Horace
- Subjects
FAMILIES ,FARMERS ,AGRICULTURE - Abstract
The French-Canadian farmer of Quebec has maintained to a striking degree the family structure which became stabilized in New France two centuries ago. In the industrial centers, and even in large rural towns, there has been some alteration of the system in response to new types of economy. In this article, the author focuses on the family system in the agricultural parishes and such structural changes as have occurred even in these most traditional regions. The basis of rural life in Quebec is close family cooperation. All members of the family share in the responsibilities. Not only is unified family effort necessary but a large family is essential. The short cultivating season of four months makes it impossible for a family to farm large acreages with the traditional methods. The economic balance has been evolved on farms of about a hundred acres. Such lands can be farmed by two or three able males. Female labor is necessary to feed and clothe these men and boys and to help with the farm work. Both male and female labor is provided by large families.
- Published
- 1938
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