The new Liberal Government are claimed to have built the foundations of the welfare state, principally Asquith (PM from 1908), Lloyd George and Churchill. Although Lloyd George was from humble origins, these were all men of the middle and upper classes. The author is critical that the Study is too moderate in that it does not propose a radical upheaval of the system to end inequality and poverty. It proposes a friendlier version of the same class system. This is entirely in keeping with the personality of the man and his political and religious beliefs. Seebohm Rowntree was a lifelong Liberal and Quaker.
The ‘chattering classes’ are those people who were interested in politics, educated to some degree, comfortably off so that they could afford newspapers and books. A stereotype of the left-wing chattering classes today would be: Guardian reading, Radio 4 listening, working in a profession or academia or media. During 1909-1910 the Liberal Government introduced the Old Age Pension and also launched the People’s Budget, the struggle over which was to result in the reduction of the power of the House of Lords. They were planning a National Insurance Bill at this time too. Other big books of the 20th century include: ‘The State and Revolution’ by Lenin and ‘The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money’ by John Maynard Keynes. Perhaps these were world changing and Rowntree’s book only hanged Britain?
Rowntree’s definition of primary poverty was stark and can be found in the primary sources section. Arguments giving the poor responsibility for their own poverty would focus upon excessive spending, irresponsible behaviour (e.g. with alcohol) and general laziness. People on the left-wing of politics would claim that British benefits were not generous and people who are knowledgeable about benefits systems in other parts of Europe, for example, Scandinavia.
They were less simplistic and less focused upon moral issues. Structural problems were identified. After 1906 the Liberal reforms included, pensions, health insurance for working people, school meals, health visitors etc. They were not designed as a comprehensive welfare safety net, but as a helping hand to the poor in need. They were not comprehensive for workers, but did change fundamentally care for children and older people.
Seebohm Rowntree’s personality as presented as earnest, hard-working, practical yet idealistic, optimistic about human nature and progress. Before the 1920s he had tackled poverty, via his study and work with Lloyd George, and welfare in the munitions service in World War One.