Paternalism and Politics: The Revival of Paternalism in Early Nineteenth-century Britain (Studies in Modern History)

This text is about continuity and change in early-19th-century Britain. Against the background of an emerging industrial state, the popularization of liberal "laissez faire" principles and the rise of a class based society, it examines the revival of traditional paternal ideals and considers their influence upon the development of social policy. The poor laws, social distress, child labour and factory reform provide a focus for the analysis. The implications of the revival for the emergence of the collective or welfare state is also an important theme. This Is A Study Of The Revival Of Paternalism In Britain In The 1820s And 1830s. Against The Background Of An Increasingly Industrialized And Urbanized State, The Popularization Of Liberal Laissez-faire Principles And The Rise Of A Class-based Society, It Examines The Influence Of Old World Paternalist Notions Of Authority And Responsibility On The Development Of Social Policy. The Poor Laws, Social Distress, Child Labour And Factory Reform Provide A Focus For The Analysis. Through A Study Of Parliamentarians' Responses To Social Issues, It Demonstrates That The Revival Was Not Simply A Reactionary Response To The New Economy. By Focusing On The Paternal Responsibilities Of Government And Parliament, The Revivalists Sought To Accommodate Paternalist Social Thought To The Changing Social And Political Climate. In The Tradition Of Protectionism, They Looked To The State For Solutions To Social As Well As Economic Problems. This Represented A Fundamental Shift In Perspective And One That Has Important Implications For Understanding The Origins Of The Victorian Collective And Modern Welfare States.--jacket. Introduction: Michael Thomas Sadler And 'the Revival Of The Aristocratic Paternalist Ideal' -- 1. Continuity And Change In The Revival Of Paternalist Social Thought -- 2. Sadler's Protectionist, Paternalist Social System And The Foundation Of His Social Agenda -- 3. Parliamentary Debate Of Social Issues, C. 1815-30: A Conflict Between Liberal Utilitarianism And Aristocratic Paternalism -- 4. The 'sadlerian School': A Defence Of Protectionist, Paternalist Ideals -- 5. Ireland, Distress And Social Instability: Sadler Endeavours To Direct The Government 'to A Better Policy' -- 6. Sadler's Ten Hours Bill And Leadership Of The Parliamentary Factory Reform Campaign -- Conclusion: Towards A Realization Of The Paternalist, Collectivist Idea Of The State. Kim Lawes. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. This book is about continuity and change in early nineteenth-century Britain. Against the background of an emerging industrial state, the popularization of liberal laissez-faire principles and the rise of a class-based society, it examines the revival of traditional paternal ideals and considers their influence upon the development of social policy. The poor laws, social distress, child labour and factory reform provide a focus for the analysis. The implications of the revival for the emergence of the collective or welfare state is an important theme. This text is about continuity and change in early 19th-century Britain. It examines the revival of traditional paternal ideals and considers their influence upon the development of social policy