From Pauperism to Poverty

Focusing on the English poor law and social investigation texts from 1800 to 1914, this collection of essays challenges conventional narratives about poverty and social policy. It critically examines the historical relief of pauperism, revealing that support for unemployed men significantly diminished after 1850. By questioning established historical methods and interpretations, the work offers fresh insights into the evolution of social thought and the complexities surrounding poverty, making it a significant contribution to the discourse on social history.