First published in 1891, this seminal work examines the primary causes of poverty during the industrial age. Through considering how poverty is measured, the growth of urbanisation and the supply of low-skilled labour in the workforce, Hobson arrives at possible solutions to the problem of poverty and explores the ethical issues surrounding it.

Contents

1. The Measure of Poverty 2. The Effects of Machinery on the Condition of the Working-Classes 3. The Influx of Population into Large Towns 4. "The Sweating System" 5. The Causes of Sweating 6. Remedies for Sweating 7. Over-Supply of Low-Skilled Labour 8. The Industrial Condition of Women Workers 9. Moral Aspects of Poverty 10. "Socialistic Legislation" 11. The Industrial Outlook of Low-Skilled Labour; List of Authorities