Impact of Utilitarianism on Political and Social Reform Flashcards
What did Utilitarianism emphasise in terms of society?
It emphasised the importance f the majority of the people - the people living in urban slums and working in factories rather than the minority who were landowners and factory owners.
Why is Utilitarianism a secular view?
It goes against religious teachings - it went against the view that poverty was the will of God and therefore should not be reformed. It also denied that suffering could serve a greater, religious purpose.
Changes in Law - late 1700s.
Prison Reform - attitudes to prisons began to change through the work of activists Elizabeth Fry and John Howard who promoted better conditions in prisons and a focus on rehabilitation, rather than punishment.
Changes in Law - 1833.
The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 - slavery was made illegal in Britain.
Changes in Law - 1832.
The Great Reform Act of 1832 - extended the franchise; only to middle-class men, the working-class were still unable to vote.
Changes in Law - 1833.
The Factory Act of 1833 - banned children under the age of nine from working in factories and limited the number of hours a child could work.
Changes in Law - 1847.
The Factory Act of 1847 - banned all children and women from working for more than 10 hours a day.
