Bridgeton and Paisley Census, 1851, 1871 and 1891 : A Sample of Households Containing Cotton Workers

The collection of data in these studies is part of a larger study on the decline of the Scottish cotton industry. The primary aim of the project was to answer questions regarding the causality and chronology of decline in the cotton industry. Since economic historians have viewed the decline of the Scottish cotton industry as a consequence of poor productivity it was decided to explore the relationship between capital and labour and in particular, the gender structure of the cotton mill. To provide information on the occupational and age structure of the Scottish cotton industry in the years 1851, 1871 and 1891. Further, to distinguish the marital status of the female workers and to draw links between household structure and factory work.