Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 January 2009
This paper, based on an exploratory study of households in an English south coast town, argues that main income source is a significant factor to be taken into account when distinguishing between households. The research was triggered by information drawn from the 1981 Census showing that less than half the population of Great Britain experienced a direct relationship between current paid employment and income. It suggests that generalisations based on an assumption that household income drawn mainly from paid employment is the norm, marginalise more than half the population. The study draws attention to some of the issues highlighted when the focus of research is on sources of income. These are presented as supplementing, rather than negating, views from other perspectives. This exploratory study highlights additional insights having implications for social policy, while acknowledging that each merits more detailed attention.