Agrarian Capitalism and Poor Relief in England, 1500-1860: Rethinking the Origins of the Welfare State

by Larry Patriquin

Overview

This book examines the evolution of public assistance for the poor in England from the late medieval era to the Industrial Revolution. Placing poor relief in the context of the unique class relations of agrarian capitalism, it considers how and why relief in England in the early modern period was distinct.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230516939
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	10/11/2007
Edition description:	2007
Pages:	254
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

LARRY PATRIQUIN is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Social Welfare and Criminal Justice Studies at Nipissing University, North Bay, Canada. He is the author of Inventing Tax Rage: Misinformation in the National Post.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Extraordinary Case of a 'Law to Force Charity' Capitalist and Precapitalist Societies The Development of Capitalism in England, c.1300-1860 English Poor Relief, c.1350-1795 Speenhamland, Settlement and the New Poor Law Agrarian Class Relations and Poor Relief Outside England Conclusion: Capitalism and the Origins of the Welfare State Notes

Editorial Reviews

'It is a book that encourages reflection, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in economical development and social welfare.' - A. J. Gritt, The Agricultural History Review

From the Publisher