The Vagrancy Act of 1824: A Historical Analysis

This chapter examines the Vagrancy Act of 1824 within the context of social upheaval in post-Napoleonic Britain and the Industrial Revolution. It traces the historical roots of vagrancy laws from the Black Death to the early 19th century and highlights the societal stigmas surrounding poverty, particularly against 'undeserving poor'. The chapter also draws parallels between Britain's and China's approaches to poverty relief, discusses gender dynamics in aid distribution, and reflects on the evolving societal attitudes toward urban vagrancy.