A Waste of Space? Controversies Surrounding the Working-Class Parlour in Inter-War Britain. (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cowman, Krista
• Is Part Of: Home cultures. Volume 15:Number 2(2019:Jul.)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Parlour -- home, -- respectability -- working-class -- interior -- inter-war -- state housing; Home -- Periodicals; Architecture, Domestic -- Periodicals; Dwellings -- Periodicals; 643.05
• DOI: 10.1080/17406315.2018.1610610
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7427

Abstract

Abstract: This article uncovers the fierce inter-war debate provoked by the British Government's decision to remove state subsidies for building larger "parlour-type" houses in 1923. Examining the various defences that were put forward in support of the working-class parlour it argues that the parlour was seen as a key marker of respectability in working-class communities with the potential to shape the behaviours and outlook of its inhabitants. Drawing on a variety of contemporary and autobiographical sources it suggests that the occasional use of the parlour, a keystone of its opponents' criticisms was precisely what gave most value to the room for its owners. Recent controversy over the bedroom tax in Britain suggests that "extra" space remains a contentious issue in subsidised homes today.