tööjõumaju

Tööjõumajad, often translated as labor houses or workhouses, were institutions established in various European countries, particularly during the 19th century, to address poverty and unemployment. The underlying principle was that able-bodied individuals receiving public assistance should contribute to their own upkeep through labor. These institutions aimed to provide shelter and food in exchange for work, often in workshops or agricultural settings attached to the establishment.

The conditions within tööjõumajad varied significantly depending on the specific institution and its governing policies. While some were designed with a focus on rehabilitation and providing skills training, many were characterized by harsh discipline, long working hours, and meager provisions. The labor performed was frequently low-skilled and often monotonous, with the primary goal being the deterrence of idleness rather than genuine economic productivity. Entrance into a tööjõumaja was typically a last resort for the destitute, and the stigma associated with it was considerable.

Tööjõumajad served as a means for local authorities to manage the poor and unemployed population, often seen as a burden on society. They represented a particular approach to social welfare, rooted in the belief that poverty was often a result of moral failing or a lack of willingness to work. Over time, as social welfare systems evolved and understanding of the complexities of poverty deepened, the concept of the tööjõumaja gradually declined in favor of more humane and comprehensive social support mechanisms.