The Puritan Ideology of Mobility: Corporatism, the Politics of Place and the Founding of New England Towns before 1650

The Puritan ideology of mobility was based on the belief that nations, colonies, and towns were living and organic social bodies that needed to be restored by creating a new social body through land distribution according to Aristotelian "distributive justice." This process was seen in the founding of Ipswich and its satellite town in Massachusetts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

The Puritan Ideology of Mobility: Corporatism, the Politics of Place, and the Founding of New England Towns before 1650 delves into the ideology that English Puritans crafted to justify their migration. This migration encompassed their journey from England to New England, as well as their relocations within New England, and, in some cases, their return to the motherland. Puritan leaders firmly held the belief that nations, colonies, and towns were all "bodies politic," meaning they were living and organic social entities. However, when a social body encountered disturbances due to scarcity of resources, political or religious strife, or any other factors, it became essential to establish a new social body to restore balance and harmony.

This new social body was articulated through a social ritual known as land distribution, following the principles of "distributive justice" as articulated by Aristotle. The book will trace this process in action during the founding of Ipswich and its satellite town in Massachusetts.

The Puritans' ideology of mobility was deeply rooted in their belief in the interconnectedness of all social bodies. They saw themselves as part of a larger political and social organism, and their actions were guided by the goal of promoting the well-being and prosperity of the entire community. This ideology shaped their approach to governance, as well as their interactions with other communities and nations.

One of the key aspects of the Puritan ideology of mobility was their emphasis on corporatism. They believed that communities should be organized into corporate bodies, with each member having a specific role and responsibility. This approach was seen as a way to ensure efficient governance and promote social harmony.

The Puritans also recognized the importance of the politics of place in shaping their communities. They believed that the location of a town or colony could have a significant impact on its development and success. They carefully selected sites for their settlements based on factors such as access to resources, proximity to markets, and strategic importance.

The founding of Ipswich and its satellite town in Massachusetts serves as a prime example of the Puritan ideology of mobility in action. The Puritans arrived in the region in the early 1630s and established a settlement that quickly became a thriving community. They implemented a series of policies and practices that aimed to promote social order, economic growth, and religious purity.

One of the key features of the Puritan settlement was the establishment of a corporate body known as the General Court. This court was responsible for governing the town and its affairs, and it was organized into various committees and subcommittees. Each member of the court had a specific role and responsibility, and they were elected by the townspeople to serve for a fixed term.

Another important aspect of the Puritan settlement was the distribution of land. The Puritans believed that land should be distributed fairly and equitably to all members of the community, regardless of their social status or wealth. They implemented a system of land allocation that was based on the principles of "distributive justice" and aimed to ensure that everyone had access to the resources they needed to thrive.

The Puritans also placed a strong emphasis on education and literacy. They established schools and libraries to provide education to the town's children and adults, and they encouraged the reading and study of the Bible and other religious texts. This emphasis on education was seen as a way to promote moral and spiritual growth and to ensure that the community was well-informed and engaged.

In conclusion, The Puritan Ideology of Mobility: Corporatism, the Politics of Place, and the Founding of New England Towns before 1650 provides a valuable insight into the ideology that shaped the development of New England during the early colonial period. The Puritans believed in the interconnectedness of all social bodies, and their ideology of mobility was guided by the goal of promoting social order, economic growth, and religious purity. Through the establishment of corporate bodies, the distribution of land, and the emphasis on education and literacy, the Puritans were able to create a thriving community that was well-positioned for success in the challenging environment of early colonial America.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785274725