Social and Economic Changes: The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to the economy, leading to the displacement of agricultural workers and increased urbanization. Many people struggled to find employment and ensure basic necessities, resulting in widespread poverty.
Poor Laws: The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 implemented a system of workhouses to address poverty. This act was driven by the principle of "less eligibility," which aimed to discourage people from seeking assistance and incentivize work.
Conditions of the Poor: With limited government support, many poor individuals and families faced extreme hardship and destitution. Workhouses provided a means of controlling and segregating the poor from the rest of society.
Workhouse Regimens: Workhouses operated under a strict and harsh regimen. Inmates were expected to perform laborious tasks, such as breaking rocks or picking oakum (untwisting old ropes), regardless of their age or physical condition.
Segregation and Separation: Workhouses often segregated inhabitants based on gender and age. Children were separated from their parents, reinforcing the notion that receiving help from the workhouse would come at the cost of familial bonds.
Discipline and Control: Workhouse authorities maintained strict discipline to instill obedience and prevent idleness. Punishments for minor offenses were often severe, including solitary confinement and withholding of food.
Stigma and Shame: There was a significant stigma associated with workhouse admittance, and it was widely seen as a place of last resort for those unable to provide for themselves. The fear of entering the workhouse dissuaded many from seeking help.
Inadequate Support: Despite the harsh conditions, workhouses were often understaffed and under-resourced, making it difficult to provide adequate care to the destitute population.
Philanthropy and Voluntary Work: While workhouses were criticized for their harsh treatment of the poor, there were also philanthropic efforts to provide support to those in need. Charitable organizations and voluntary workers played a role in supplementing the services provided by workhouses.
Overall, the combination of social and economic changes, poor laws, prevailing attitudes towards poverty, and an emphasis on discipline and control, contributed to the establishment and operation of Victorian workhouses as a means to manage the challenges posed by widespread poverty during that era.