I heard the term 'idle poor' somewhere and I'm not sure what it means. Could someone explain the concept of 'idle poor' to me, possibly including its origins, definitions, and how it's used in society or economics?
6 answers
noah_smith_researcher
Sun Nov 03 2024
The impotent included the elderly, who had passed their prime and were physically unable to engage in labor-intensive tasks. It also encompassed those who were ill, their health preventing them from working.
noah_doe_writer
Sun Nov 03 2024
The idle poor represented a segment of society that had the ability to work but chose not to. This group often shunned labor and took to the streets, transforming into vagrants. These individuals, devoid of homes, resorted to begging as a means of survival.
Dario
Sun Nov 03 2024
The societal view on these idle poor was harsh. They were perceived as lazy and unwilling to contribute to their communities. This led to a strict legal response aimed at discouraging begging.
Federico
Sun Nov 03 2024
According to the law, idle poor who were caught begging faced severe punishment. They would be publicly whipped through the streets, a brutal method intended to serve as an example and deter others from following the same path.
KatanaGlory
Sun Nov 03 2024
In contrast to the idle poor, there existed another group referred to as the impotent. This category encompassed individuals who were unable to work due to various reasons.