The Solidarities of Strangers

More about the book

Focusing on the evolution of English welfare policies from the seventeenth century to today, the book examines the interplay between individual narratives and government actions. Lynn Lees highlights how cultural perceptions of entitlement influenced welfare distribution, revealing a complex relationship between industrial growth and restricted aid. The study discusses the cyclical nature of support, where economic fluctuations led to varying degrees of generosity, ultimately illustrating that the history of welfare is marked by shifting attitudes toward poverty rather than linear progress.