How did the Elizabethan Poor Laws aim to address poverty?

The Elizabethan Poor Laws aimed to address poverty by categorising the poor and providing different types of assistance.

The Elizabethan Poor Laws, established in 1601, were a series of measures designed to tackle the growing problem of poverty in England. They categorised the poor into three groups: the 'impotent poor', the 'able-bodied poor', and the 'idle poor'. Each group received different types of support based on their needs and capabilities.

The 'impotent poor' included those who were unable to work due to age, disability, or illness. They were provided with direct relief, often in the form of money, food, or clothing. This group was seen as deserving of help, and local parishes were responsible for their care, sometimes placing them in almshouses or poorhouses.

The 'able-bodied poor' were those who could work but were unemployed. The Poor Laws aimed to provide these individuals with work opportunities. Parishes were encouraged to create jobs, such as building roads or working in workhouses, where the able-bodied poor could earn a living. This approach was intended to prevent idleness and reduce the burden on the community.

The 'idle poor' were those who were capable of working but chose not to. The Elizabethan Poor Laws took a harsher stance towards this group, often subjecting them to punishment. They could be sent to houses of correction, where they were forced to work under strict conditions. This was meant to deter laziness and encourage a strong work ethic.

Funding for these measures came from a local tax known as the 'poor rate', which was collected from property owners within each parish. This system ensured that the responsibility for supporting the poor was shared by the community.

Overall, the Elizabethan Poor Laws represented an early attempt by the government to systematically address poverty, balancing compassion for the needy with measures to encourage self-reliance and deter idleness.