Workers on the Move : The Sociology of Relocation

Originally published in 1973, this book tells the story of the complete move in 1965/1966 of Alfred Bird and Sons Limited from central Birmingham to Banbury, in which a large proportion of the existing labour force was successfully transferred. By focusing on the relocation decision made by individual employees, the author was able to submit to a critical test sociological theories in a wide variety of fields - urban and regional planning, family and community sociology and industrial sociology. The main body of the book presents the results of interview surveys conducted on the company's employees both before and after the move. The varied technologies of the company enabled Dr Mann to contribute to the debate concerning technological determinants of workers' attitudes and behaviour. This book will be of of interest to both laymen and specialists concerned with industrial and urban problems in society.