BOOTH, Charles

In the course of successful business activity based in Liverpool in the leather trade and shipping (including owning and building), he became aware of the dreadful condition of the working poor – he also became impressed by the thinking of August Comte. His direct relevance for moral education arises from his development of the artful science of social surveys, combining on the ground investigation and mapping with systematic analysis. This he most famously carried out in the City of London, focussing on poverty, industry and religious influences. His findings then became a springboard for social reform – pursued by him and many others drawing on his evidence.

Life

• Introduction to the life and work of Booth from Spartacus Educational

• BBC Radio programme 'In Our Time' on Booth's life and work

• Biography of Booth from the LSE Charles Booth website

   

Writings

• 'Charles Booth's London' - a massive resource on his work

Video

About the London Poverty Map (2 mins)