Why was the Old Poor Law reformed? Flashcards
What was ‘Benthamism?
The ideas of Jeremy Bentham and his ‘utilitarian’ philosophy.
What was wrong with the OPL system?
It was immoral and seemed to reward the ‘undeserving poor’ who did not look for work.
What did the OPL system do?
It lowered the esteem of those who had to seek ‘outdoor relief’.
What was ‘outdoor relief’?
It was paid for by farmers and land-owners who paid poor rates.
Why was poor relief administered?
A basic national system for dealing with the poor. A ‘less eligibility’ principle which would mean it was an individual’s advantage to work than apply for help. The idea was it would enhance moral attitudes in the working class and encourage independence rather than rely on parish pay outs.
What was Bentham’s view?
The key question was ‘did something lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people?’ The OPL failed this theory.
What was found after there was considerable support in parliament to set up a commission for enquiry?
The commission employed 26 assistant commissioners, who produced 13,000 pages of evidence against the OPL in 3,000 parishes. The final report was heavily influenced by Edwin Chadwick and the economist, Nassau Senior.
What was the issue with the cost of poor relief?
In the 1830s, the cost of poor relief was considered unacceptably high, so proposals for a cheaper system were welcomed. Poor rates would fall as fewer people would want to enter the harsh conditions in workhouses than would have applied for the old outdoor relief. Families were separated and hard work was required.
What would the NPL end?
The Speenhamland System.
What was the Speenhamland System?
The depression fo wages as employers found public funds would make up any difference between the low wages and the current price of bread.
What other reasons were behind the NPL?
Many MPs were frightened by. the amount of rural unrest between 1830 and 1831, as forcing people into work would teach them better discipline.
Overall judgement.
It was a much more cost-effective and rational policy. It treated the country as a whole, however, ignored the humanitarian viewpoint of the hunger and long days in order to promote the Benthamite view of ‘less eligibility.’
