The Poor Law

The Poor Law refers to a series of laws established in England to address poverty and provide relief to the needy. The most notable was the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which aimed to reduce the financial burden of poor relief on local governments. It established Workhouses, where the poor could receive assistance in exchange for labor. The law shifted the focus from outdoor relief (help given to the poor outside institutions) to institutional care, emphasizing self-reliance and discouraging dependency on welfare. It reflected society's evolving attitudes toward poverty and responsibility.