pauper. It was a direct violation of the poor person’s right to pursue the principle of pleasure; to exercise mans’ right to freedom and liberty. The Act was too narrow and far too severe in its remedies. Unlike the more humane Speenhamland System the New Poor Law was inflexible and could not adapt to differing situations. The most devastating remedy was that of the Poor Houses, which were atrocious hellholes. The Poor Law failed to represent the expectations of the poor community, when most members of the Victorian working classes were likely to be in poverty at some point in their lives. It was accepted that poverty was a natural part of the circle of their lives because of the fluctuations of the environment that had a direct effect on the majority of employment available. Prior to the New Poor Law, relief was seen as an expected right, when unemployed, to keep the able-bodied person fit and well and able to resume expected work when trade resumed. Victorian Class StructureThe belief systems of the classes need to be examined to explain some of the principles behind the New Poor Law Act. The Gentry, (Upper Class) usually by right of birth, the upper crust of society owned a large proportion of the lands, held powerful positions within government and were rich. A central belief system that this is their rightful place in society, to pursue and enjoy the pleasures of life, including education and materials. To control and lead the lower classes in righteousness according to gods holy laws. These rights belonged to them, to them alone and deemed as a deserved gift from god. The Middle Classes aspired to the Upper Classes and basically followed the same principals, although some members of this class viewed the aristocracy as corrupt. There is a strong sense of disapproval toward the classes above and below this group. As a direct result of the Industrial Revolution, we can see the beginnings of this group growing in...
