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Archiver > SOG-UK > 2004-10 > 1096724567


From: Tim Powys-Lybbe <>
Subject: Re: [SoG] Why are people interested in Genealogy?
Date: Sat, 02 Oct 2004 14:42:47 +0100
References: <c.34b2d8e1.2e8ff701@aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <c.34b2d8e1.2e8ff701@aol.com>


In message of 2 Oct, wrote:

> Radio4 this morning carried a report/discussion on the topic of the
> current interest in genealogy.
>
> Neither of the men who took part in the discussion, as far as I am
> aware, well known in genealogy or family history circles. Being a
> Radio4 discussion one of the speakers was a proponent of
> genealogical research and the other was opposed, based on the
> question as to why people had become involved in the studies.
>
> Dr Nick Barrett saw the researchers in a positive light, attempting
> to find their place in history and not particularly concerned as to
> whether their ancestors were 'important' or not. If a black sheep
> turned up, so much the better as it added interest.
>
> Terence Blacker, the opponent, sees researchers as vain people who
> 'need to get out more' [My précis of his ideas.]
>
> I wonder if there is another reason for the interest, which it seemed
> was seen as if it had only taken off within the last year rather
> than over the last decade. Many of those who are interested in
> tracing their family history have had an educational background which
> has given them an interest in history. I wonder how many current
> family historians have taken O.L. History. Even if they didn't it may
> be that they have had a Grammar School education which opened up an
> academic world to them. As Grammar Schools were intended to take in
> children from all types of background I am not making a classist
> statement, rather the opposite.
>
> Many people wait until they no longer have work commitments and there
> must be a large number of post war baby boomers who received an
> academic education entering this stage of their lives. I dare say that
> people are also becoming aware that society is becoming 'looser' in
> its family structure, which may cause them to look backwards in time.
>
> It may be that what I have written is complete nonsense and that
> others may have a different view. Either way the topic of genealogy
> hit a prime time slot on the top radio channel this morning....

What an interesting discussion and one that might even pay off if we in
SoG can appeal the more to the more popular reasons for an interest in
genealogy.

But first a thought or two about Terence Blacker's accusation of vanity.
Almost every worthwhile human occupation can have that charge thrust at
them: Actors are vain as they enjoy the admiration of the audience. So
are popstars. Politicians are vain as they like the thought of
strutting the stage of history. Party-goers are vain as they like to
dress up and be admired for same. People who make models are vain as
they enjoy the praise of the aficionados. Historians are vain when
their works are praised by those whose opinions they respect. And
broadcasters are vain as they like the admiration of their audiences.

Moving on to the reasons for genealogy, there has to be a very long
list of possible reasons. It might even be interesting to find out
which reasons are most popular amongst Members - and among prospective
Members. So lets start with the above reasons and add a few more:

1. To find their ancestors' place in history.

2. To find any interesting black sheep.

3. As a result of doing 'O' level History.

4. They have time on their hands when older.

5. Who were their ancestors and where did they come from.

6. Opportunities to discuss a common interest with others.

7. Finding new relations.

8. The pleasures of the response to airing one's findings, eg on a
web-site.

9. The thrill of the the chase in hunting down new quarries.

10. The detective reasoning and logic of establishing relationships
from rare sources.

11. On the internet, the steady stream of new contacts and eventual new
friends from this common interest.

12. When the family is exhausted, the fun of branching off into a
one-name study.

13. Being able to help others from one's knowledge of techniques, etc.

14. Providing data for others to make their researches from.


Any more? Any less?

--
Tim Powys-Lybbe
For a miscellany of bygones: http://powys.org

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