Background and Context of Liberal Reforms
The period before 1906 in Britain was characterized by limited government assistance for the poor. The Liberal social reforms of 1906-1914 marked a significant shift in approach to poverty and welfare.
Prior to these reforms, the main form of assistance was the Poor Law, which was means-tested and often resulted in people being sent to workhouses with notoriously harsh conditions. Charities like Barnardos and the Salvation Army attempted to fill the gap, but the demand far exceeded their capacity.
Highlight: The Poor Law and workhouses were the primary forms of 'assistance' before the Liberal reforms, but they were widely regarded as punitive rather than helpful.
The Liberal Party, which had traditionally adhered to a 'laissez-faire' style of governance, began to shift its approach in 1906. This change was largely influenced by growing evidence of widespread poverty and its causes.
Definition: Laissez-faire is a policy of minimal government intervention in economic and social affairs.
The surveys of Booth and Rowntree played a crucial role in changing public and political perceptions about poverty. These studies provided statistical evidence that challenged prevailing notions about the causes and extent of poverty in Britain.
Example: Charles Booth's survey of London's East End, published in 1899, revealed that 35% of London's population lived in extreme poverty.
Seebohm Rowntree's study of York corroborated Booth's findings, showing that poverty was not limited to London. Both surveys agreed on key points:
- Nearly one-third of urban populations lived in or below poverty.
- People could not escape poverty through individual efforts alone.
- Poverty was not self-inflicted but often caused by factors like illness, unemployment, and age.
Quote: "Up to 30% or almost 1/3rd of the population of the cities were living on or below poverty levels."
These surveys were instrumental in promoting the concept of the 'deserving poor' and challenging the notion that poverty was solely due to personal failings.
