Module 2- Workhouse's Workhouses were institutions where those unable to support themselves were provided accommodation and employment. The conditions in these places were very poor and the jobs were often very unpleasant. Families who came to live at the workhouse were split up and broken apart with men and women living in separate sections. Additionally, children over the age of 7 were also obliged to work for their room and board as well. Unfortunately, the people who lived and worked here were often treated very poorly, and many endured various forms of abuse. The health and safety of those living inside were also at risk, as the conditions led to overcrowding where the spread of disease and illness increased, additionally, there was a lack of nutritious food, which led to starvation. This type of system and the conditions were often compared to a prison, and even the British Prime Minister spoke of the workhouses as such by saying, "It announces to the world, that in England, Poverty is a crime". The conditions were deliberately made to be so harsh because they believed that it would deter people from wanting to seek welfare. They believed that by making the conditions so terrible, people would fear having to go there, and it would be an incentive to work. This type of thinking led to a divide among the people, where those in need of assistance were viewed as "second class" citizens, and is a mindset that continues on even today. The similarities to what we see today are quite strong, as the current state of welfare isn't enough to cover the cost of living, and acts as a bare minimum. There is also a great stigma that surrounds people who are on assistance or are impoverished. Turner, J. C., & Turner, F. J. (2009). Canadian Social Welfare Sixth Edition. Toronto: Pearson Canada Inc