Rise of the Gentry and The Agrarian revolution Essay

Rise of the Gentry and The Agrarian revolution - Essay Example In the Span of 300 years, majority of the population who was working in the agricultural industry dropped to only a quarter , meanwhile, the population of Britain doubled. Historically, when the population levels in the Middle Ages bubbled in such a fashion, Malthusian checks came into play. Disease and famine became the order of the day, and finally, the back of feudalism broke in England. On the other hand, France was under the oppressive control of feudalism. As I will demonstrate in later part of my research, France also experienced a Malthusian check, even though there was short sea between the two countries This essay explores the evidence on emergence of a non-feudal class, known as the gentry to Tawney , and the role it played in industrial revolution. This particular class is considered as one of the primary agents that facilitated the path for successful transition from feudalism to an economy that is equipped to embrace the industrial revolution. This research also present the evidence that this non-feudal class rose in the context of: an economic atmosphere in their favor; an opportunity to ascend that was presented primarily through the dissolution of the monasteries; decline of the aristocracy and the centralization of the monarchy; and changing religious atmosphere that became encouraging for entrepreneurship and profit maximization. This economic, religious, and political transformation was not for England alone, the entire continent experienced it. However, the gentry, a particular class was unique to England that was able to escape the cycle. 2. Who were the Gentry? In order to discuss the role of this class in Industrial Revolution, it is crucial to recognize who they were. England, the birthplace of the industrial revolution, had a unique organization of the aristocracy. Unlike the rest of the continent, primogeniture was the order of the day, and thus, title and privilege of nobility and an intact estate were awarded only to the eldest son. Whilst rest of the offspring were considered commoners3.Another distinguishing feature was that English nobility did not rule entire regions or districts, rather their estates were dispersed across the British Isle’. These features proved to be the driving factors that enabled a non-feudal class to emerge. The aforementioned class was also known as the Peerage, and had the right to sit in the House of the Lords. In contrast, the gentry dominated the House of Commons. The gentry was a distinguished group of people with high social standing4 in English society, ranked right below the nobility, and above comm on people. Economically, this class drew their finances from several arenas including, but not limited to: rents of their farms, town property, investments, and working in law5. Primarily, the major difference between the Peerage and the Gentry was a legal distinction6. The discussion over gentry's role in Britain's development has been extensive, much of the disagreement about their role stems from the absence of a standard classification of gentry7. Trevor-Roper argues, to distinguish between Peerage and Gentry was mere conjecture, rather the differences between the two were minimal since the era was an aristocratic one. The groups were homogenous, and identified by similar lifestyles, interests and values8. Gentry had a greater possession of

Social Consequences Of Long Term Unemployment Essay

Social Consequences Of Long Term Unemployment - Essay Example It is apparently clear that the ability to take huge risks thus amassing more wealth, is hinged on the level of income an individual has at his/her disposal. However, this is thwarted by lack of finances occasioned by unemployment especially long term based. According to Jackson and Crooks, (1993), the atmosphere and environment of unemployment relegates an individual to just existing rather than live. This statement captures how corrosive and disastrous unemployment can affect an individual and the society where unemployment is thriving. Machin et al, (1998), notes that long term unemployment as impacting on the loss of competitiveness in the labour market, thus leading to more unemployment rate in the economy. Moreover, this has a consequence of causing huge income disparities as it becomes quite challenging to competing in the job market as the individual’s skills and competencies that were acquired at any moment end up deteriorating with time due to lack of use. However, H elmut, (2000) paints a grin picture of the social consequences which result from long term unemployment. Unemployment, in a broad sense creates a vicious cycle of poverty that normally leads to the following social consequences that have in them a spiraling effect on the social and economic costs. These in turn, lead to harsh financial hurdles, corrosion of family ties and breakdowns, unserviceable debts, crime in order to survive, social exclusion, dwindling of self esteem and loss of confidence, homelessness and poor health, inaccessibility to quality services, depression and redundancy as pertains to work skills and competencies. Although unemployment may act as an impetus in causing economic action by governments, lack of proper policies may contribute to harmful consequences on the social as well as economic wellbeing of an individual and the country’s employment. Rebecca, (1994), argues that inefficient labour market fuels socio-economic challenges consequently leading to long term unemployment. With the existence of continued unemployment, the individuals get socially excluded. In addition, their economic capability is weakened. Individuals who are faced with long term unemployment effects find it challenging to live. They are forced to borrowing finances in order to survive. Since there are no sources of cash inflows, servicing of the debts become a hurdle. This is especially so with lone parents and those whose education is low. They lack the ability to compete with the increasing demands on the labour market as advanced skills are required to perform the jobs. Moreover, the consequences are so manifest on the young people. These bear the greatest brunt as adjusting to the labour market needs becomes quite challenging. Getting the necessary professional polishing by way of experience proves to be a herculean task as the transfer of skills is limited. Consequently, borrowing becomes the norm, creating a cycle of dependency resulting from lack of financial independency. The spiraling effects of long term consequences of unemployment, lead to deterioration of family ties and breakdowns as the financial instability cripples the purchasing power of the families. This results into confrontations as needs become quite elusive to cater for. The couples at this point may turn to securing financial aid or other sources of help through uncouth means such as prostitution or even drug trafficking. These in consequence contribute to infidelity as well as prosecution, leading to separation of families or divorce. The embarrassments caused by such actions lead to weakening of the social fabric and family ties. Furthermore, this contributes to