Thomas Chalmers' poor relief theories and their implementation in the early nineteenth century
There are three main themes in this thesis. Firstly, an analysis of the development of Thomas Chalmers' poor relief theories. Secondly, an evaluation of their impact on his contemporaries at home and abroad. Lastly, the establishment of their degree of success when put into practice in the early nineteenth century. Chalmers' ideas on poverty and pauperism are usually presented as having been formed relatively early on in his life and remaining fairly static throughout. Using the surviving correspondence, Chalmers' diaries and writings, this thesis traces the origin of his poor relief ideas in Enlightmement concepts and demonstrates the impact of the various stages of Chalmers' career upon them. In particular, Chalmers' conversion to evangelical Christianity, his experiences as a minister in a large parish in industrialising Glasgow, his life as a professor in St. Andrews and Edinburgh, and his involvement in the Disruption of the Church of Scotland are all considered as regards their contribution to his poor relief solution. At the same time, the popularity of his poor relief ideas among many of his contemporaries is explored and explained as the product in some cases of similar educational background, common
Furgol, Mary Theresa
Chalmers, Thomas, 1780-1847 ; Charities ; Christianity ; Economics
Thomas Chalmers' poor relief theories and their implementation in the early nineteenth century. There are three main themes in this thesis. Firstly, an analysis of the development of Thomas Chalmers' poor relief theories. Secondly, an evaluation of their impact on his contemporaries at home and abroad. Lastly, the establishment of their degree of success when put into practice in the early nineteenth century. Chalmers' ideas on poverty and pauperism are usually presented as having been formed relatively early on in his life and remaining fairly static throughout. Using the surviving correspondence, Chalmers' diaries and writings, this thesis traces the origin of his poor relief ideas in Enlightmement concepts and demonstrates the impact of the various stages of Chalmers' career upon them. In particular, Chalmers' conversion to evangelical Christianity, his experiences as a minister in a large parish in industrialising Glasgow, his life as a professor in St. Andrews and Edinburgh, and his involvement in the Disruption of the Church of Scotland are all considered as regards their contribution to his poor relief solution. At the same time, the popularity of his poor relief ideas among many of his contemporaries is explored and explained as the product in some cases of similar educational background, common
thomas poor_relief theory implementation three_main theme thesis firstly analysis development thomas poor_relief theory secondly evaluation impact home_abroad lastly establishment degree success put practice idea poverty usually present formed relatively early_life remain fairly static throughout using survive correspondence diary writing trace_origin poor_relief idea concept demonstrate impact various_stage career upon them particular conversion evangelical christianity experience minister large parish glasgow life professor st_andrews edinburgh involvement disruption church scotland_consider regard poor_relief solution time popularity poor_relief idea among many_contemporary explore explained product case similar educational_background common