Social Campaigners

Social Campaigners & Reasons for Reforms

1. The Deserving Poor:

• Historically, the poor were often blamed for their circumstances.
• Before the 20th century, many viewed poverty as a personal failure.
• The concept of the "deserving poor" emerged in the late 1800s, challenging this perspective.

2. Booth and Rowntree Studies:

• Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree conducted landmark studies on poverty.
• Booth's study (1886-1903) found that 35% of London's population lived in extreme poverty.
• Rowntree's study found 30% of York's population in similar conditions.

3. Findings from Booth's Reports:

• Booth's reports highlighted the dire state of poverty in London.
• Warned of potential violent revolution if conditions didn't improve.
• However, poverty persisted, with many living below the recommended standard.

4. Rowntree Family:

• Known for their confectionery empire producing famous sweets like Kit Kats.
• Joseph Rowntree treated workers fairly, offering education and medical benefits.
• Seebohm Rowntree's study showcased that poverty was often not the individual's fault.

5. Rowntree's Picture of Poverty:

• Rowntree identified stages in a man's life where he was most likely to face poverty.
• Noted that poverty wasn't just a London problem, but a national issue.

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Social Campaigners

6. Primary & Secondary Poverty:

• Rowntree discussed two types of poverty:

Primary Poverty:

• Families couldn't meet basic needs regardless of spending choices.

Secondary Poverty:

• Families had enough but wasted money on non-essentials.
• Critics argued that secondary poverty was self-inflicted and such individuals shouldn't receive help.

7. Implications & Reforms:

• These studies forced a recognition of poverty's widespread nature, leading to governmental actions.
• Rowntree's reports played a pivotal role in urging the Liberal government to address these issues.

8. Impact on Policy:

• The revelations of these studies fundamentally changed public and political perceptions about poverty.
• Resulted in discussions about necessary reforms and interventions to address this societal challenge.