Small town development and urban illiteracy: comparative evidence from Leicestershire marriage registers 1754-1890 Michael Hoyler 2134/18916 https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Small_town_development_and_urban_illiteracy_comparative_evidence_from_Leicestershire_marriage_registers_1754-1890/9483077 "Based on the analysis of Anglican marriage registers for the period 1754 to 1890, the article explores patterns of illiteracy in three small Leicestershire [England] towns with contrasting economic functions. Illiteracy levels were closely related to urban occupational and social structures, which also affected distinct gender differentials. Evidence [of] the effect of literacy on age at marriage and marriage distance suggests that demographic behaviour and spatial interaction were determined more by socio-economic factors than by the possession of literacy skills. Literacy attainment, however, was linked to extended marriage distances when both spouses could sign the register." [excerpt] 2015-10-01 09:32:20 untagged Earth Sciences not elsewhere classified