Friedrich Engels 'took creative liberties' with descriptions of class divides
a day ago
- #Urban History
- #Friedrich Engels
- #Manchester
- Friedrich Engels' depiction of Manchester's segregation in the mid-19th century is challenged by new research.
- Historian Emily Chung's study reveals that middle-class and working-class Mancunians often lived in the same buildings and streets.
- Over 60% of buildings housing the wealthiest classes also accommodated unskilled laborers.
- Manchester's 'slums' had more than 10% of their population from the better-off, employed classes.
- Engels' observations, while influential, may have exaggerated the extent of residential segregation in Manchester.
- Chung's research uses digitized 1851 census data to map the actual living conditions of different social classes.
- Daily routines, work patterns, and policing contributed more to class segregation than residential separation.
- Engels' time in Manchester, influenced by his relationship with Mary Burns, shaped his radical views.
- The study highlights the importance of local history in understanding broader social dynamics.