Social Classes Throughout History

Social Classes Throughout History The gap between different classes has always been very prominent in

history. It was none so prominent as to the 1800s. This time was one

of poor and rich, peasants and snobs. The gap between the classes was

huge and people thought it would never be bridged. However, towards

the late 1800 a tie started to form between the classes. This tie was

one of understanding rather than one of comrade. This was represented

by dramatic change in attitude towards poverty and it's victims.

In 1834 views on the poor were not sympathetic but harsh and unjust.

The old poor law was abolished and it's successor was far tougher and

stronger. It set up a central authority for the poor law to answer to.

Workhouses were created and made so living conditions were worse than

the poorest poverty stricken abode outside the poor law. Outdoor

relief was officially abolished, though continued in various forms.

These changes symbolised the nations view of the poor; the poor had

themselves to blame, it was their own fault and self-help was the only

saviour for them. The government and their laissez faire attitude also

supported this view. This attitude was not pushed down and out of

societies view but in fact in the earlier years it was part of the

party's campaigns. These ideals had obvious influences on their

dealings with the poor.

Apart from very few charities and philanthropist's efforts, people and

groups like the Church of England and Shaftsburg, the poor were

expected to pull themselves out of the pits and dregs of life and

society. Then they were forced to...

... middle of paper ...

...constant view of the public. The most powerful report of

this time was the one done by the Royal Commission. This highlighted

previous works and emphasised the points made by Rowntree and Booth.

The suffragette movement was also very prominent across the classes at

this time. The suffragettes where also very concerned with addressing

issues with the poor.

The change in attitudes towards the poor over this period of time is

remarkable. Attitudes very rapidly persuaded and changed. The National

opinion took a total turn around and the poor were to benefit from

this. Though attitudes indeed changed the actions of the government

where not yet strong enough to notice or produce an effect.

The British nation achieved a moral high in the shear extent of the

dramatic change in attitude towards the poverty of the country.