Talk:Workhouse

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The concensus on the poor law page seemed to be to split this article out so I have.--Moonlight Mile 00:51, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

I have greatly expanded this article. Hope people find it useful and will add more in time.

Seems to be somewhat POV. In particular, no context is given - what provision was made for the poor, old, sick and unemployed in other European countries or the USA at the same time? The workhouse system is so often viewed through 21st century spectacles. The system was subject to abuse, incompetent management, unnecessary meanness, individual cruelty and so on - but what else could have been put in its place - a modern welfare system? Would this have actually been possible? Exile 22:00, 1 January 2007 (UTC)

Not sure POV is the correct criticism - I have tried to balance out criticism of the system with a realistic view of the realities of the time. It could be expanded and I am working on it. A modern welfare system did not exist anywhere on earth at that time - it would have been too expensive given the limited tax raising powers and probably beyond the administrative abilities of the relatively limited state powers. The founders of the workhouse system were very conscious of the strain on the public purse. They were also aware that any payout to those who had failed for whatever reason tended to undermine the work ethic and create welfare dependancy. Precisely the same dilemma is being faced by those who are seeking to reform Britain's welfare state today.

This article is looking really good now. It just needs referencing. In particular, where did the typical workhouse day come from.--Moonlight Mile 20:13, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

I don't know it was there before I started to edit. However it is very similar to timetables in Rees' book and I am sure it is relatively authentic. The section on workhouse designers is looking a bit lonely - not something I know much about. Can anyone develop it?