15. Stigma and Social Neglect
In Victorian England, children born out of wedlock or to very poor families faced significant social stigma and systemic neglect. Illegitimacy was viewed as a moral failing, leading to ostracization of both the child and the mother. Charitable institutions, such as the Ragged Schools, were established to provide education and support to destitute children. However, these efforts were limited and often unable to meet the vast needs of the impoverished population. Consequently, many children continued to suffer from neglect and lack of opportunity (en.wikipedia.org).
