During the Victorian period, Great Britain was a highly stratified society, with wide disparities between the rich and the poor. Wealth and social class were closely linked, with the upper classes enjoying significant privileges and advantages over the lower classes.
The Aristocracy
At the top of the social hierarchy were the aristocracy, which included the royal family, the nobility, and the landed gentry. The aristocracy owned vast estates and had a great deal of political power and influence. They lived lavish lifestyles, with large homes, expensive clothing, and sumptuous meals.
The Middle Class
Below the aristocracy was the middle class, which included professionals, merchants, and tradesmen. The middle class was growing in size and wealth during the Victorian period, and its members enjoyed a relatively comfortable lifestyle. They typically lived in smaller homes than the aristocracy, but they had access to many of the same amenities, such as education, entertainment, and healthcare.
The Working Class
At the bottom of the social hierarchy was the working class, which included factory workers, miners, and agricultural laborers. The working class lived in poverty, with little access to education, healthcare, or other basic necessities. They worked long hours in dangerous conditions for very low wages.
The Poor Law
The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 was designed to address the problem of poverty. The act established workhouses, which were intended to provide food, shelter, and work for the poor. However, workhouses were often overcrowded, unsanitary, and inhumane. Many people preferred to live on the streets rather than enter a workhouse.
Social Reform
During the Victorian period, there was a growing movement for social reform. Social reformers worked to improve the lives of the poor, including by advocating for better wages, working conditions, and housing. Some social reformers also supported the idea of women's suffrage, which would allow women to vote in elections.
The Impact of Industrialization
The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the social structure of Great Britain. Industrialization led to the growth of the middle class and the working class, and it also increased the disparities between the rich and the poor. The working class was particularly hard-hit by the Industrial Revolution, as they often worked in dangerous and unhealthy conditions for very low wages.