Inequality in London

During the sixteenth century, London struggled with discrimination against the poor. Differences in the treatment given to the poorer people have always been an issue in the world, and the total poverty of the lower class in sixteenth century London illustrates what can happen when the rich neglect the poor. How often did the rich people judge others by their clothes? Middle and upper classes discriminated against the lower class, but acted with favorable partiality toward their peers and superiors. This all happened during the Tudor reign. England’s upper and middle classes discriminated against and neglected the poor.

As illustrated in the book, the idea that the clothes make the man reigns when the two lads exchange clothes (www.cambridge.org). Immediately, the prince becomes the pauper and people treat him as such, while they treat the pauper like a prince merely because of his royal robes. Although discrimination seems worse back then, it still affects us today. Poor people in London often wore rags or ripped clothing, and they could not have anything better, because of that society cast them aside. Such partiality has been around since the bible time. And as James says in James 2:3-4; “If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (NIV). Clearly, the Bible states that this behavior is wrong.

Living conditions between the royalties and the lower classes differentiated in almost every way. As a royalty, you would sit around the table with pure-silver silverware and discuss politics or current affairs with other royal people. Royal people also sleep in large beds with silks and other precious materials. On the other hand as a pauper, you would sleep wherever available, and it would be a stroke of luck to find a meal. No welfare for the poor during these times coupled with the lack of compassion by the wealthy often led to starvation. These things could dissipate if the wealthy showed compassion towards the poor.

When storms or other trials such as a war struck, the different classes all had different outlets to where they could go. Royalties and upper class people had refuges dedicated to their safety during a siege or a storm. While the royalties and upper classed people hid safely protected, the impoverished peoples could only find something as simple as an abandoned awning if they were lucky. Often they found themselves abandoned in the open streets. Most of the middle classed people would not associate with them and allow them shelter (http://www.storyoflondon.com).  

Considerable separation existed between those blessed with wealth, and those that existed in poverty in sixteenth century London. Clothing and dress of the people had a large impact on what class they were labeled as, and a pauper dressed as a king could blend in with the upper class people. Furthermore, those of lower class could not live a comfortable life because of the way they found themselves treated, and the limited opportunities they had for help and improved living conditions. Even the middle classes discriminated towards the lowest classes because often the paupers were hardened by their trials and became violent.  These conditions led to a vicious cycle of discrimination of the lower classes and loathing towards upper classes.

Works Cited:

N/A, “A London Chronology.” Jun 17 2002 23 Jan 2009 .

Many Authors contributing. “Clothing.”The World Book Encyclopedia. C.