The Search for the Solution to the Pauperism’ Problem in Tudor England’ as Viewed by Contemporaries

The article discusses the views of contemporaries on the problem of pauperism in 16th century England on the example of the treatises of W. Harrison, J. Howes and H. Arth (Arthington). In Russian historiography, these works are still insufficiently studied in terms of the problem of pauperism, and in English-speaking historiography, historians pay little attention to the analysis of contemporary views of the problem. When analyzing the texts of the treatises, we can trace the authors' desire to establish the economic causes of pauperism, moral causes, list the social strata of English society responsible for the pauperization of the working people. The treatises show the social position of the paupers, their internal structure, ways of obtaining food, etc. In many ways, the authors propose similar methods for solving the problem of pauperism, among which charity and administrative measures, especially in London, are among the most important. A significant role in this is assigned to the Anglican Church. Without rejecting the need for repressive measures against idle healthy beggars, Harrison and Arth, and partly Howes, understand the need for legislative and economic measures by the state, such as restricting enclosures and, in particular, regulating food prices by the authorities, improving the organization and houses of corrections. All the three authors believed that the problem of pauperism must be solved in order to strengthen society and the state. Without offering the central government to pursue a specific social policy in relation to paupers, including the payment of unemployment benefits, etc. from the state treasury, they, like the government, believed that it was the task of the local authorities and the local population of church parishes, hundreds and cities.

Keywords

Tudor England, pauperism, W. Harrison, J. Howes, G. Arth

Received

22.11.2019

Publication date

05.12.2019

Number of characters

52844

Cite

GOST	Makarov A., Mitrofanov V. The Search for the Solution to the Pauperism’ Problem in Tudor England’ as Viewed by Contemporaries // Novaia i noveishaia istoriia – 2019. – Issue 6 C. 32-48 [Electronic resource]. URL: https://nni.jes.su/S013038640007608-6-1 (circulation date: 26.04.2024). DOI: 10.31857/S013038640007608-6
MLA	Makarov, Andrey, Mitrofanov, Vladimir "The Search for the Solution to the Pauperism’ Problem in Tudor England’ as Viewed by Contemporaries." Novaia i noveishaia istoriia 6 (2019):32-48. DOI: 10.31857/S013038640007608-6
APA	Makarov A., Mitrofanov V. (2019). The Search for the Solution to the Pauperism’ Problem in Tudor England’ as Viewed by Contemporaries. Novaia i noveishaia istoriia (6), pp.32-48 DOI: 10.31857/S013038640007608-6

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