ABSTRACT
The house becomes the place of maximum exercise of individual autonomy, minimum conformity to the formal and complex rules of public demeanor. The house acquires a sacred character from its complex intertwining with the self and from the symbolic character it has as a representation of the family. In the lower class we find a great many very real threats to security, although the threats often do seem to be somewhat exaggerated by lower-class women. Several studies deal with family attitudes and family planning behavior on the part of lower class, in contrast to working-class couples. Having looked at the sources of danger, let us look at the consequences which lower-class people fear from the dangers. To the extent that lower-class people do have a place they can go that is not as dangerous as the typical slum dwelling, there is at least the gain of a haven.
