The General and the Particular

In historical investigation there tends to be tension between the general and the particular. It is sometimes convenient and appropriate, to present information in terms of national units when describing and analysing major change; yet much of critical importance to appreciating the nature of the change taking place is concealed if the discussion focuses exclusively on the whole country. This reflection illustrates the enlightenment gained by considering regional and local variation using the example of internal migration, and particularly the movement from the countryside into towns and cities.