The New Poor Law of 1834: The emergence of Victorian poverty
https://doi.org/10.26907/2541-7738.2026.3.66-77
Abstract
In this article, the way the New Poor Law of 1834 became a tool for shaping the social image of the Victorian poor is investigated. The reasons for its introduction are unveiled, and the factors that made its adoption possible are outlined. Based on the textual analysis of the legislative act and the preceding Poor Law Commissioners’ Report, the emergence and development of a stigmatizing representation of the Victorian poor is traced. The influence of this deliberately created image on Britain’s social policy towards the lower classes is demonstrated. The philosophical doctrines of Malthusianism and Benthamism that were put forward by the architects of the reform are discussed. The theoretical propositions that ideologically justified the new system are identified. It is concluded that the resulting social image, intended to discredit the poor, served as a legitimation for the abolition of the social relief system and the establishment of a new social order.
About the Authors
V. V. Lezhneva
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Valeriya V. Lezhneva, Master’s Student, Department of Theory and History of Humanities
Moscow
L. P. Repina
Russian State University for the Humanities; Institute of World History, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Lorina P. Repina, Dr. Sci. (History), Corresponding Member of Russian Academy of Sciences, Chief Researcher, Department of Historical and Theoretical Research; Full Professor, Department of Theory and History of Humanities
Moscow
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For citations:
Lezhneva V.V., Repina L.P. The New Poor Law of 1834: The emergence of Victorian poverty. Kazan Journal of Historical, Linguistic, and Legal Research. 2026;168(3):66-77. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26907/2541-7738.2026.3.66-77
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