Research in England

Does Northeast England have a distinct regional culture? After attending Durham University, in the former coal mining region of Northeast England, Anna Painter spent the summer of 1998 interviewing residents of this peripheral but proud area, far from the center of power and wealth in Southeast England. Do Northeasterners think that they have a unique identity, or do they see their culture as very similar to that of the South? Consensus analysis of  interviews with 62 residents suggests that although they consider themselves in many ways like those of the South, they have some distinctive ideas, particularly about work and success.  For details, see publications below.

Anna R. Painter, "Work, Success, and Respect in the British Northeast: An Ethnographic Study."  Senior Thesis, May 1999, Grinnell College. 1999. Anna Painter and Douglas Caulkins, "A Work and Success in a De-industrialized Region of England." Anthropology of Work Review. Vol XIX, No. 4 (23-28)

The Durham Miners' Gala, and annual summer celebration, was once the cultural focus for the region, in which every coal mine had its own brass band. Now that the mines are closed, how important is the Miner's Gala? It continues to serve as a cultural focus for the established residents, particularly for those whose families have been connected with mining over the years.

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