Pennsylvania Mining Families : The Search for Dignity in the Coalfields

In Pennsylvania Mining Families , Barry P. Michrina offers a luminous portrait of Pennsylvania coal miners and their response to economic oppression. He follows them from the great coal strike of 1927 through daily threats of injury and death in the mines to the departure of children and grandchildren as the industry has declined. Drawing on numerous first-hand interviews, as well as extensive archival research, he analyzes the change in work practices, the miners' own views about their ever-evolving situation, and relationships between miners and mining companiesundercutting the stereotypical picture of the rebellious miner. 1. Being There, A Reflection -- 2. Coal, A Very Hard Subject -- 3. The Great Coal Strike Of 1927 -- 4. Emotions Related To The Great Strike -- 5. Emotions, Work Values, And Exploitation -- 6. Work Is What You Make It -- 7. Why Worry? -- 8. Emotions Related To Danger -- 9. Dignity, A Complex Subject -- 10. Reflections Upon Leaving. Barry P. Michrina. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. In Pennsylvania Mining Families, Barry P. Drawing on numerous first-hand interviews, as well as extensive archival research, he analyzes the change in work practices, the miners' own views about their ever-evolving situation, and relationships between miners and mining companies -- undercutting the stereotypical picture of the rebellious miner. Because this book is likely to be read by people with varying expectations, I feel the need to explain its structure and style.