Rural Wales, like many other rural areas in the late twentieth century, faces the problem of in-migration as a by-product of counter-urbanisation. However, in Wales the main problems arise from the fact that the majority of in-migrants have settled in areas that are regarded as the cultural and linguistic 'heartland' of Wales. In-migration of English Incomers to Wales is perceived by the Welsh to be the catalyst for change within rural communities. This research adopts a multi-methods form of analysis that is predominantly qualitative, in order to consider the nature of the Welsh rural community through the perceptions of individuals who reside there. The thesis provides in-depth discussions with rural inhabitants regarding the issue of in-migration and its perceived impacts, against a quantitative background of census data analysis. Through the analysis of dialogues this research considers the connection between the Welsh rural community and 'Welshness' and understandings of this connection. It also considers the relationships that exist between local incomers, in relation to their perceptions and experiences of the Welsh rural community. Census data documents the increased influx of English-born migrants into rural Wales, and verifies the existence of economic and social differentials between the incomer and local populations. Despite in-migration to Wales occurring in parallel with the process of economic restructuring and social recomposition experienced in most rural areas of the UK since the 1970's, the resident population equates all changes with process of in-migration. Indeed in-migration is the key issue, which links all resident dialogues regarding change to the Welsh rural community, and the Welsh culture. These communities signify the 'core' areas of Welshness; any change is perceived as a threat to Welsh culture and as a result causes cultural conflict between the locals and the incomers.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:637401 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | James, E. |
| Publisher | Swansea University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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