Poorhouses

Definition

Poorhouses were institutions established in the 18th century primarily to provide shelter and basic needs for the poor and destitute, often reflecting society's views on poverty and welfare. These facilities served as a response to increasing poverty levels, which were exacerbated by rapid urbanization, economic changes, and population growth during this period. Poorhouses became symbols of both charity and social control, revealing the complex relationship between poverty and societal values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Poorhouses were intended to separate the deserving poor from those deemed undeserving, often leading to stigmatization of residents.
2. Many poorhouses had strict rules and regulations that governed daily life, including mandatory work and limited personal freedom.
3. The conditions in poorhouses varied widely, with some offering decent living conditions while others were overcrowded and unsanitary.
4. The concept of poorhouses contributed to the development of more modern welfare systems as societal views on poverty began to shift in the 19th century.
5. Poorhouses reflected the growing awareness of social issues related to urbanization, industrialization, and demographic changes during the 18th century.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of poorhouses reflect societal attitudes toward poverty in the 18th century?
  • The establishment of poorhouses revealed a dual perspective on poverty, where charity was balanced with social control. Society viewed poverty as a problem that needed to be managed rather than solely alleviated. Poorhouses served not only to provide assistance but also to impose order on the lives of the impoverished, highlighting a belief that work and discipline were essential for moral improvement.
• Discuss the implications of the Elizabethan Poor Law on the development and function of poorhouses.
  • The Elizabethan Poor Law laid the foundation for organized poor relief, leading to the establishment of poorhouses across England. It defined who was eligible for assistance and mandated local authorities to care for the poor. As a result, poorhouses became institutionalized means for managing poverty, reflecting a shift from informal charity to state-supported welfare systems that sought to regulate and control the lives of the impoverished.
• Evaluate how poorhouses influenced modern welfare systems and perceptions of poverty in subsequent centuries.
  • Poorhouses played a crucial role in shaping modern welfare systems by highlighting the need for more humane and effective responses to poverty. As conditions in poorhouses became widely criticized for their harshness, society began advocating for reforms that led to improved social services. This transition paved the way for contemporary views on poverty that emphasize support, dignity, and rights rather than punishment and isolation, ultimately influencing policies related to social welfare and public assistance.

Related terms

Workhouse: A type of institution where the poor were provided with work in exchange for basic food and shelter, often under harsh conditions.

Elizabethan Poor Law: A series of laws enacted in England that established a system of poor relief and set the groundwork for the development of poorhouses.

Charity: The voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money or goods, to those in need, which often influenced the establishment of poorhouses.