ABSTRACT

This chapter deals with two topics: first, the Lecture principles of collectivism, as actually exhibited in, and illustrated by English legislation during the later part of the nineteenth century; and, secondly the general trend of such legislation. Collectivism curtails as surely as individualism extends the area of contractual freedom. The extension of contractual capacity enlarges the sphere of individual liberty. The growth of modern collectivism has naturally coincided with the disposition to revive or to extend the socialistic element which has always been latent in some of the older institutions of England, and notably in the English Poor Law. The difference between the legislation characteristic of the era of individualism and the legislation characteristic of the era of collectivism is essential and fundamental. Hence collectivists have fostered legislation which should increase the force of each man's social and sympathetic feelings, and should intensify his sense of the responsibility of society of each individual citizen.