Aleuts in transition: a comparison of two villages

Jones, Dorothy Miriam

Book

Aleuts in transition: a comparison of two villages

Published for the Institute of Social, Economic and Government Research, University of Alaska, University of Washington Press • Seattle • Published In 1976 • Pages:

By: Jones, Dorothy Miriam.

Abstract
In this study, Jones compares two Aleutian towns which have had very different development trajectories and social change consequences in the post-World War Two period. One town was a former U.S. military base which never quite recovered from the occupation. A group of local whites continue to control both the economy and politics, such as the school board and municipal administration, looking down on their Aleut neighbors. The other village was more remote, less affected by outsiders, except for Norwegian fishermen, who settled there and intermarried with locals. The Norwegians taught the local Aleut modern trawler fishing. The Aleut population of the first town has been beset by social problems, including alcoholism and juvenile delinquency. According to Jones, the major difference between the two towns lies in the degree of control local Aleutians have had over their economic and political conditions.

Acculturation and culture contact

Marine hunting

Canning industry

Labor relations

Ethnic stratification