A New Attitude — The Work Ethic

Tolerance and charity toward the poor give way to suspicion. During the 1500s, the common perceptions and beliefs regarding poverty begin to change. People begin to wonder if the beggar might be responsible for his position, if laziness causes poverty. A distinction is drawn between the deserving and the undeserving poor. Idleness becomes a habit that can be broken if those who refuse to work are forced to do so.

At a Poor House in Hamburg. The idle are punished by suspending them over a table where the industrious eat their meals