On her own: Women as heads of family groups in the 1828 census∗

∗ I wish to thank Nornia Townsend for her generous assistance and invaluable encouragement at all stages of this project. I would also like to thank David Kent, Alan Atkinson and Linda Emery for their important comments on earlier versions.

Abstract

This article is based on a research project that used primary records to construct limited biographies for 241 women in early colonial Australia. The women shared the common bond of being heads of family groups but otherwise represented the diversity of colonial society in that era. Comparisons drawn between civil status groups on aspects of relationships, economic opportunities and social attitudes are used to examine the way in which this particular group of women experienced life in colonial society.

Notes

∗ I wish to thank Nornia Townsend for her generous assistance and invaluable encouragement at all stages of this project. I would also like to thank David Kent, Alan Atkinson and Linda Emery for their important comments on earlier versions.