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Abstract

This thesis has two inter-related themes: the effects of restructuring on individuals'
labour market experience and household coping strategies in a Tasmanian locality; and
the practical adequacy of current and emerging theoretical perspectives in economic
geography to interpret rapid change. The two are integrated by a realist approach.
The case study is set in the theoretical context of four major areas of literature - uneven
development, labour market, informal activities and rural sociology - and in the
historical context of the Tasmanian space economy through discussion of the Long Boom
(1945 to 1973), an analysis of labour markets 1971-1986 and a detailed review of the
restructuring processes operating since 1986. A model of formal and informal economic
activities is put forward in order to make sense of conflicting terminology.
The case study provides information on changing conditions of work and attitudes to work
which vary within a labour market segmented into the major employer, local small
businesses and the state, as well as by gender. It also raises issues of the construction of
knowledge by the use of out-dated dualisms and taxonomies. A more complete and
relevant model of the social relations of employment is suggested, together with a view of
small business which conceptually integrates farming enterprises with other rural
businesses through the concept of the pluriactive household. The role of these businesses
and households in the local construction of place is examined through the links integrating
them differentially into the global economy.
Concluding reflections relate the experience of writing the thesis to more abstract issues.
The gendered experience of place; the accommodations between production and
consumption made by different groups with different aspirations; the consequent tensions
between those in favour of development and those favouring conservation in the context of
the structure/agency debate are each related to emerging theorisation. The author
concludes that new strands of theory, notably the powerful perceptions of pluriactivity as
a link between capital and households, household decisions exerting influences of global
proportions environmentally as well as economically, a new view of producer/consumer
relations, and of a global wage relation spanning formal and informal activities, together
offer a new way of conceptualising local social situations. A grasp of the processes by
which these situations are integrated into, and reflexively influenced by, global capital
and regulatory frameworks, and the resolution of the problem of sustainable development
require a fresh perspective which has been potentially provided by the emancipatory
insights of a global sense of place.

Item Type:	Thesis - PhD
Authors/Creators:	Grosvenor, S
Keywords:	Labor market, Small business, Households
Copyright Holders:	The Author
Copyright Information:	Copyright 1993 the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s).
Additional Information:	Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Tasmania, 1993
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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