According to the Historical Association's website, Elizabethan views about the poor were 'compassionate' (kind and caring) towards the end of the reign - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1

To evaluate Elizabethan responses towards the poor between 1580 and 1603 effectively, we must consider various factors that influenced public sentiment and government policies during this period.

Historical Context

Firstly, it's essential to understand the socio-economic backdrop of the Elizabethan era, where issues like poverty, vagrancy, and unemployment were prevalent. The late 16th century saw a significant increase in population and consequently, greater pressure on resources.

Compassionate Policies

Secondly, one can argue that certain measures and laws introduced during this time reflected a compassionate approach. For instance, the Poor Law of 1601, known as the Act for the Relief of the Poor, established a framework for local authorities to aid the needy, indicating a shift towards a more systematic approach to poverty relief. This law included provisions for the care of the sick and elderly, which can be seen as a caring response to the plight of the poor.

Divergent Views

However, contrasting perspectives should also be taken into account. While the government adopted some compassionate measures, there was also a growing sentiment against vagrants and the poor. Many wealthy citizens viewed poverty as a moral failing, leading to punitive measures against those who were seen as unwilling to work. This dichotomy reveals that the view of the poor was not universally compassionate.

Summary of Perspectives

In summary, while there were compassionate efforts reflected in legislation like the Poor Law of 1601, societal attitudes towards the poor were complex and often contradictory. Therefore, it is reasonable to assert that Elizabethan responses to poverty included both compassionate policies and harsher societal views, making it a nuanced issue.