ABSTRACT
Agricultural workers are deferential traditionalists' in Lockwood's terms and indeed most commentators regard them as deferential workers par excellence. The social network of an agricultural worker consists predominantly of other agricultural workers. The occupational and communal solidarities of the occupational community has undoubtedly fostered a more radical social imagery among the inhabitants than that generally regarded as typical of agricultural workers. The rural areas of East Anglia are notable for high density of agricultural trade union membership, and disproportionately high Labour voting behavior. As employment opportunities in agriculture decline due to increasing mechanisation, agricultural workers are forced to seek employment in towns where there are not only expanding employment opportunities but a higher standard of living. The social network of agricultural workers will continue to consist predominantly of other agricultural workers, though proximity to an urban area may increase the number of locals in the network who have been attracted to higher-paid industrial employment in the town.
