LANGUAGE SURROUNDING POVERTY IN EARLY MODERN ENGLAND

Abstract

The concept and experience of poverty in early modern England were multifaceted, shaped by societal perceptions, economic conditions, and prevailing attitudes towards the poor. This study explores the dynamics of poverty during this era through a comprehensive analysis of historical sources and scholarly literature. Drawing on a wide array of primary documents and secondary sources, the research seeks to illuminate how poverty was understood, experienced, and addressed in early modern English society.

Central to the investigation are the various factors contributing to poverty, including economic instability, demographic shifts, and the impact of legislation and policy. By examining these elements, the study reveals the complexities of poverty beyond mere economic deprivation, encompassing social stigma, legal repercussions, and cultural representations.

Moreover, the study investigates the language and terminology used to describe poverty and the poor, highlighting shifts in discourse and societal attitudes over time. Terms such as "pauper," "vagrant," "beggars," and "rogues" are analyzed within their historical contexts to uncover the evolving perceptions and categorizations of the impoverished.

Through the lens of social history and cultural analysis, this research also explores the lived experiences of the poor, including their strategies for survival, interactions with institutions of relief, and their portrayal in contemporary literature and discourse. By synthesizing these insights, the study aims to offer a nuanced understanding of poverty in early modern England, emphasizing its complexities and the enduring impact on social structures and perceptions of inequality.