Ragged Trousered Philanthropist.

[Theland]

In the society described in the Ragged Trousered Philanthropist, what changes would you have recommended to improve the lot of the workers suffering such penury?

[woofgang]

no idea, I have never read the book

[Mamyalynne]

It's years since I read The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists, Tressell/Noonan wrote it in a semi autobiographical way and it portrayed a slice of life at the time and to a degree a slice of life that's still there for many.

I can't say I am bright enough to have any solutions.

[Tilly2]

Form/Join a union?

[Theland]

The descriptions of the living and working conditions are truly raw and uncompromising.
A lot of parallels to society today.
Not much progress for some over the years, in spite of working.

[Neveracrossword]

...and a lot of progress for some over the years, because of working.

[Tilly2]

...and educational opportunities.

[Theland]

Matching masks and blinkers?

[Mamyalynne]

What changes would you recommend?

[Neveracrossword]

Theland, why so rude? You said 'not much progress for some' and I pointed out, entirely correctly, that there HAD been progress for others. You said 'there were a lot of parallels to society today' - did you really mean 'today is as bad as it was then'? If you did, I don't agree - and if you didn't, don't snipe. (I thought you said you were always 'respectful'?)

[Theland]

Never - Apologies, that did not convey my thoughts correctly.
Not much difference between being hungry in 1910 or 2020.
Yes, for the majority things improved, but many still left behind.
But consider the society described in the book.
How would you change their lot for the better?

[Theland]

Mamya - The one measure that would make a difference in 1910 is a living wage.

[Mamyalynne]

We agree on that then, someone in work should be paid adequately.

[woofgang]

time machine?

[Theland]

I am interested in the similarities of the problems 1910 / 2020.
Many still persist.
Exploitation for example.

[woofgang]

so not a time machine?

[fcc]

Anyone can work their way out of poverty in todays Britain.

[Theland]

fcc - not on this planet, in my experience.

[fcc]

I said anyone in Britain can work their way out of poverty if they wish-in my humble opinion.

[Theland]

When the only work a person can get is a zero hour contract on minimum wage, poverty is permanent.

[fcc]

Every person that i have ever known who has been a good worker has prospered.