Sense, Sensibility & Social Stratification: Reading Jane Austen through an Anthropological Lens

By Gabrielle Wong

Dive into the captivating world of Jane Austen’s novels from a fresh and innovative perspective in ‘Sense, Sensibility, and Social Stratification’. This work explores the intricate connections between wealth, power, and social status through Austen’s keen observations of human behaviour. Unveiling the hidden economic dimensions of Austen’s narratives, this groundbreaking book uncovers the complex interplay between economic transactions, social hierarchies and personal agency. From the constraints faced by women in a patriarchal society to the impact of materialism and consumer culture, this engaging analysis connects Austen’s timeless works to contemporary economic anthropology. Discover a new understanding of Austen’s world and its relevance to our own in this captivating exploration.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brown Dog Books
• Release date: Oct 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781839527036

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Economic Concept of Jane Austen’s World

The enthralling world of Jane Austen’s beloved books, where societal manners and complex relationships occupy centre stage, contains a subtle but profound analysis of the economic forces that influence human behaviour. In this fascinating piece of economic anthropology, we embark on an enthralling adventure to find economic elements that lurk beneath Austen’s stories. We not only aim to find economic elements that lurk beneath the stories but also shed light on the intricate web of social class, money, and trade that underpins Regency-era England. Through delving deeply into the lives of her memorable characters, we can acquire a fresh viewpoint on Austen’s timeless themes of love, ambition, and the interconnectedness of money and social position. Prepare for this transformative journey linking the fields of economics, anthropology and literature.

This study delves into the complex web of economic issues that Austen weaves across her books through a thorough analysis of her writings. She creates an accurate picture of a society centred on economic considerations, from the luxurious estates of the landed gentry to the modest house of the lower social classes. The distribution of money, the pursuit of advantageous matches, and the handling of inheritances all have tremendous impacts on Austen’s characters’ lives and relationships. We can discover many things about Austen’s society through investigating economic forces in action. Furthermore, we evaluate how Austen’s insightful observations of her time continue to influence our century’s current economic issues.

Understanding the economic environment in which Jane Austen lived and wrote is essential for understanding the numerous economic intricacies present in her works. This chapter peers into the realities of Austen’s world by exploring the economic climate of Regency-era England. We set out on a journey to understand the economic factors that influenced the choices of Austen’s characters and the world in which they lived, from industrialisation to the economic and social structures of the nineteenth century that governed characters’ lives. When we fully immerse ourselves in the financial situation of Austen’s era, we are more likely to appreciate the underlying themes and subtle critiques that she included.

Section 1: The Market Revolution and the Rise of Industrial Capitalism

An important transformation in economic structure occurred during Jane Austen’s lifetime (1775–1817), including the transition from an industrialised, market-based economy to one that was pre-modern and centred on agrarianism. Due to the agricultural revolution, farming became more of a commercial endeavour than it had previously been. Crop yields rose as a result of improved agricultural practises, and bigger farms were created as a result. Food surpluses, which could be sold in marketplaces and for commerce, were caused by this and increased agricultural production. The invention of new tools, such as the steam engine and the spinning jenny, accelerated the manufacturing process of textiles and other items, driving the expansion of factories and the factory system.

This made it possible to produce items more effectively and at a larger scale, which reduced the cost of goods and produced new jobs within the manufacturing industry. People relocated to cities in the pursuit of factory work, which caused a shift in the population from rural to urban areas. Consequently, cities expanded and new urban areas were created. Moreover, new financial institutions such as banks and stock exchanges were established as an outcome of the growth of linked trade and commerce spheres. By providing funding and investment opportunities, these institutions enabled the British trade and industry to flourish. These developments culminated in the creation of a more market-based economy with higher levels of specialisation and production efficiency. The works of Jane Austen emphasised the impact of this economic transformation on society and culture.

Section 2: Social Class and the Economic Order

Most notably, Austen linked the economic environment and the social class system in her works, and how individual financial situations determined the opportunities accessible to people. For members of the gentry and aristocracy, the wealthiest social groups, they enjoy privileged positions with the benefit of inherited riches, vast estates, and more.

For instance, we can see Mr  Darcy and Mr  Bingley’s financial advantages and authority shown throughout Pride and Prejudice. As wealthy landowners, it may be assumed that the men would have considerable amounts of control over decisions regarding his estate and the surrounding area. They likely made all the decisions on different parts of the estate’s management and local issues given the extensive resources and land holdings that come with his wealth. His estate’s operations would also have an economic ripple impact aside from creating direct employment opportunities as he could need to purchase goods, services, and other supplies from nearby businesses. Mr.  Darcy’s wealth would also allow him to make strategic investments across numerous industries within his surrounding region, which would be key in achieving regional economic growth for small businesses and local enterprises. This would have contributed greatly to the overall economic vitality of Derbyshire, where his home was located. Moreover, Mr. Darcy’s spending power would have a multiplier effect on the local economy. His affluent lifestyle would involve the purchase of goods and services, from luxury items to everyday necessities. These expenditures would not only benefit local merchants but also stimulate demand for goods, thus encouraging production and trade within the community.

One industry where Mr Darcy’s influence would be especially apparent is agriculture. Landownership and agricultural endeavours went frequently hand in hand in the world of Jane Austen’s novels. As a landowner, Mr  Darcy would be entitled to shape the farming methods deployed on his estates, such as choosing crop rotations, introducing new farming techniques, and supervising the management of livestock and estate resources. Other than the realm of agriculture, his social standing could have a bearing on local economic activities including trade, commerce, and employment. His wealth and connections would possibly enable him to assist neighbouring businesses, provide job opportunities, and even have an input in matters concerning trade and economic growth.

However, Austen utilises Mr.  Darcy’s financial security to depict the nuances of pride and prejudice in Regency society. Mr. Darcy’s fortune provides him an influential status, but it also fosters arrogance and conceit. In Chapter 3, Mr Darcy was looked at with great admiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud; to be above his company, and above being pleased. Mr Darcy’s appeared haughtiness proves to be damaging to his relationship with Elizabeth Bennet, with her stating after his proposal in Chapter 34, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike. Elizabeth’s statement forces Mr. Darcy to reconsider his prejudices. Austen therefore uses this example to warn readers that there are drawbacks to a life of privilege, that can culminate in an arrogant and judgmental personality.

Another example of the influence of a higher social class is depicted through Emma Woodhouse in Emma. Given Emma’s elevated social position,