Solidarities of Strangers

Explore the intricate landscape of English welfare policies with Solidarities of Strangers by Lynn Hollen Lees, published by Cambridge University Press in 2007. This extensive 392-page study delves into the evolution of attitudes toward the poor from the 1600s to modern times. Lees meticulously illustrates how the negotiations between clients and officials shaped welfare settlements, revealing that it was often the shifting cultural definitions of entitlement, rather than mere financial resources, that dictated who received support and in what amounts. The book highlights the cycles of generosity and meanness that have historically influenced the lives of disadvantaged individuals unequally, making it an essential read for those interested in social history, legal history, and the dynamics of welfare systems in Great Britain. Gain valuable insights into the complex interplay of societal attitudes and the law with this compelling narrative.