Workhouse: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The concept of workhouses emerged in England in the 17th century as a response to poverty and unemployment.
• The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 reformed the system, leading to harsher conditions in workhouses to deter people from seeking help.
• Workhouses were often described as places of hardship, where those seeking aid faced strict rules and hard labor.

Literature

• Charles Dickens portrayed workhouses negatively in his novel 'Oliver Twist', highlighting the grim conditions and mistreatment of children.
• Katherine Mansfield's writing also reflects the societal views on poverty during the early 20th century, often touching upon themes of struggle and resilience within workhouses.

Cultural Impact

• Workhouses have become symbols of social injustice and have influenced many social reform movements advocating for labor rights.
• The term 'workhouse' is often used in modern discussions about poverty, welfare, and support systems, reflecting ongoing societal challenges.

Psychology

• Living and working in such environments affected individuals' mental health, leading to feelings of despair and hopelessness.
• Research shows that being in a harsh or unkind living situation can have long-lasting effects on people's well-being and ability to reintegrate into society.

Architecture

• Workhouses were typically large, austere buildings designed to accommodate many residents, with sparse accommodations as part of their mission to discourage reliance on welfare.
• Some of the original workhouse buildings are still standing today and have been repurposed for various community services and museums.

With rank #16,202, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 16199 knitted
• 16200 imperfection
• 16201 recollected
• 16202 workhouse
• 16203 blinking
• 16204 enlighten
• 16205 possessive
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