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by
Karen Berggren '05 and Lauren Cencic '05 |
The oil workers of Patagonia
were primarily men. Most hoped to remain in
Patagonia until they made a profit large enough to take back home. Some men even left their familes behind to work in the
oil fields. While leading a simple life in Patagonia with little more
than basic necessities, many had to struggle to support their family across the
Atlantic. In time, some families joined their husbands or fathers in Argentina. Life was complicated in the port town of Comodoro Rivadavia due to the high cost of living and poor, crowded living
conditions, but many families
coped with the help of old and new social networks.
Due to time constraints, work schedules, and transportation
limitations, life for these workers and their families generally centered around
the company towns.
Click on photo for larger image |
Oil companies had a profound influence
on the daily lives of workers and their families. In attempt
to maintain the labor force, companies provided services and housing,
but companies monitored
nearly all aspects of family life. Oil companies also influenced social life, organizing social activities and entertainment to fortify the allegiance of workers and
their families. |
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An invaluable source
of information regarding family life in and around the company towns
of Patagonia are the men and women whose families lived
on the Argentine coast during the period of the booming oil industry.
Understanding how families
lived and adjusted to their new lives is necessary to grasp the nature of
life in the oil company towns of Patagonia. |
Click on photo for larger image |
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