1. Social Stratification: Elizabethan society was highly stratified, with a clear distinction between the wealthy upper classes and the poorer lower classes. The poor were often referred to as "the vulgar," "the meaner sort," or "the common people."
2. Economic Conditions: The economy was primarily agricultural, and many of the poor worked as farm laborers, servants, or day laborers. Wages were low, and economic downturns or poor harvests could lead to widespread unemployment and destitution.
3. Housing: The poor typically lived in overcrowded and unsanitary housing, often in slums, alleys, or cellars. These dwellings lacked basic amenities, were susceptible to disease outbreaks, and provided little privacy.
4. Food and Diet: The poor had limited access to nutritious food. Their diet often consisted of cheap staples such as bread, gruel, and vegetables. Meat was scarce and often reserved for the wealthy. Malnutrition and hunger were common.
5. Access to Healthcare: Healthcare was scarce and rudimentary, and the poor had limited access to medical care. They relied on traditional remedies, folk medicine, or charity from religious institutions for basic medical needs.
6. Beggary and Vagrancy: Many impoverished individuals resorted to begging or vagrancy to survive. However, these activities were often criminalized, and harsh punishments could be imposed, including whipping, imprisonment, or branding.
7. Poor Laws and Relief: Although poor laws existed during this period, they were not always effective in alleviating poverty. These laws often focused on regulating beggars and punishing vagabonds rather than providing genuine assistance to the needy.
8. Discrimination and Social Stigma: The poor were subjected to discrimination and social stigma from the wealthier classes. They were seen as lazy, immoral, and undeserving of sympathy or assistance.
9. High Mortality Rates: Poverty was closely associated with high mortality rates due to malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of healthcare. Life expectancy for the poor was significantly lower compared to the wealthy.
10. Limited Opportunities for Social Mobility: Social mobility was limited for those born into poverty. Education and opportunities for advancement were primarily reserved for the upper classes, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Overall, being poor in Shakespeare's time was a challenging and precarious existence marked by economic hardship, social stigma, and limited opportunities for betterment.