LIVING BY THE SEA - FARMING AND FISHING IN SWEDEN FROM THE LATE 18TH TO THE EARLY-20TH-CENTURY

Using the northwestern European household and family pattern as a back drop, household and family structures were studied in four coastal reg ions in Sweden during the nineteenth century. Each area represented a variant of a maritime ecotype. Mean household size and a simple family structure were found in three areas, although economic circumstances differed significantly. True fishermen lived in Gullholmen, fishermen- farmers in Hasslo, and farmer-fishermen in Tyndero. In Hallnas average household size was relatively small, although complex family structur es were common. A diversified local economy of which fishing was only one component gave rise to this pattern. The involvement of the state in restricting access to resources and/or restricting property managem ent was found to be a key factor in explaining why some areas develope d similar patterns despite varying economies.