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{{globalize|article|Europe and North America|date=December 2013}} {{globalize|article|Europe and North America|date=December 2013}}


'''Begging''' or '''panhandling''' is the practice of imploring others to grant a favor, often a gift of ], with little or no expectation of reciprocation. Beggars may be found in public places such as transport routes, urban parks, and near busy markets. Besides money, they may also ask for food, drink, cigarettes or other small items. '''Begging''' or '''panhandling''' is to make a living by asking for money or food. Beggars are found on transport routes, in urban parks, and near busy markets.
]]] ]]]


According to a study in the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, "(70%) stated that they would prefer a minimum-wage job, typically citing a desire for a 'steady income' or 'getting off the street.' However, many felt they could not handle conventional jobs because of mental illness, physical disability or lack of skills."<ref>{{cite journal|pmc=121964 | pmid=12240813 | volume=167 | issue=5 | title=Income and spending patterns among panhandlers |date=September 2002 | journal=CMAJ | pages=477–9}}</ref> According to a study in the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, "(70%) would prefer a minimum-wage job, a 'steady income' and to get 'off the street.' However, many felt they could not handle conventional jobs because of mental illness, disability, or lack of skill."<ref>{{cite journal|pmc=121964 | pmid=12240813 | volume=167 | issue=5 | title=Income and spending patterns among panhandlers |date=September 2002 | journal=CMAJ | pages=477–9}}</ref>


==History== ==History==
] ]
Beggars have existed in human society since before the dawn of recorded history. Begging has happened in most societies around the world, though its prevalence and exact form vary.


===Greece=== ===Greece===
] distinguished between the ''ptochos'' (Greek: πτωχός, "passive poor" or "beggars") and the ''penes'' (Greek: ποινής, "active poor"), with the latter being accorded a higher social status.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cavallo|first=Guglielmo|authorlink=Guglielmo Cavallo|title=The Byzantines|year=1997|location=Chicago, Illinois|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=0-226-09792-7|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=FJDRx6FAi0EC|ref=harv}}</ref> The ] contains several references to ]' status as the savior of the ''ptochos'', usually translated as "the poor", considered the most wretched portion of society.<ref>http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/ptochos.html</ref> ] distinguished between the ''ptochos'' (Greek: πτωχός, "passive poor" or "beggars") and the ''penes'' (Greek: ποινής, "active poor") of higher social status.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cavallo|first=Guglielmo|authorlink=Guglielmo Cavallo|title=The Byzantines|year=1997|location=Chicago, Illinois|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=0-226-09792-7|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=FJDRx6FAi0EC|ref=harv}}</ref> The ] contains several references to ]' status as the savior of the ''ptochos'', the most wretched portion of society.<ref>http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/ptochos.html</ref>


===Britain=== ===Britain===
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{{Main|Mendicant}} {{Main|Mendicant}}


Many religions have prescribed begging as the only acceptable means of support for certain classes of adherents, including ], ], ], ], and ], typically to provide a way for certain adherents to focus exclusively on spiritual development without the possibility of becoming caught up in worldly affairs. Many religions establish begging to social classes, typically to allow focusing on spiritual development.


In ], ]s and ]s traditionally live by begging for ], as did the historical ] himself. This is, among other reasons, so that ] can gain religious merit by giving food, medicines, and other essential items to the monks. The monks seldom need to plead for food; in villages and towns throughout modern ], ], ], and other Buddhist countries, householders can often be found at dawn every morning streaming down the road to the local temple to give food to the monks. In East Asia, monks and nuns were expected to farm or work for returns to feed themselves up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.udn.com/jackwing/3188887 |title=農禪vs商禪 |language={{zh icon}} |publisher=Blog.udn.com |date=2009-08-19 |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://2007.tibetmagazine.net/20054-p83.htm |title=僧俗 |publisher=2007.tibetmagazine.net |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkbuddhist.org/magazine/552/552_10.html |title=鐵鞋踏破心無礙 濁汗成泥意志堅——記山東博山正覺寺仁達法師 |publisher=Hkbuddhist.org |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref> In ], ]s and ]s traditionally live by begging for ], as did the historical ] himself. This is, among other reasons, so that ] can gain religious merit by giving food, medicines, and other essential items to the monks. The monks seldom need to plead for food; in villages and towns throughout modern ], ], ], and other Buddhist countries, householders can often be found at dawn every morning streaming down the road to the local temple to give food to the monks. In East Asia, monks and nuns were expected to farm or work for returns to feed themselves up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.udn.com/jackwing/3188887 |title=農禪vs商禪 |language={{zh icon}} |publisher=Blog.udn.com |date=2009-08-19 |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://2007.tibetmagazine.net/20054-p83.htm |title=僧俗 |publisher=2007.tibetmagazine.net |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkbuddhist.org/magazine/552/552_10.html |title=鐵鞋踏破心無礙 濁汗成泥意志堅——記山東博山正覺寺仁達法師 |publisher=Hkbuddhist.org |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref>

Examples exist in ], ], ], and ].


==Legal restrictions== ==Legal restrictions==
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], ]. The meter accepts donations for charitable efforts to help the poor as part of an official effort to discourage panhandling.]] ], ]. The meter accepts donations for charitable efforts to help the poor as part of an official effort to discourage panhandling.]]


Begging has been restricted or prohibited at various times and for various reasons, typically revolving around a desire to preserve ] or to induce people to ] rather than to beg for ] or ] reasons. Various European ]s prohibited or regulated begging from the ] to modern times, with varying levels of effectiveness and enforcement. Begging can be restricted to push people to ] and preserve ]. In Europe, ]s have regulated begging since the ].
] gets into the car]] ] gets into the car]]


"]" has been specifically prohibited by law in various jurisdictions in the ] and ], typically defined as persistent or intimidating begging. <ref name=OK>{{Cite document|url=http://newsok.com/in-tough-times-panhandling-may-increase-in-oklahoma-city/article/3318618|title=In tough times, panhandling may increase in Oklahoma City|author=Johnny Johnson|date=November 3, 2008|publisher=The Oklahoman|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref> ] is prohibited in various jurisdictions of the ] and ]. <ref name=OK>{{Cite document|url=http://newsok.com/in-tough-times-panhandling-may-increase-in-oklahoma-city/article/3318618|title=In tough times, panhandling may increase in Oklahoma City|author=Johnny Johnson|date=November 3, 2008|publisher=The Oklahoman|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref>


===Canada=== ===Canada===
] ]
The province of ] introduced its ] in 1999 to restrict specific kinds of begging, particularly certain narrowly-defined cases of "aggressive" or abusive begging.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/99s08_e.htm | publisher=Government of Ontario | title=Safe Streets Act | year=1999 | accessdate=2006-09-29 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060902063618/http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/99s08_e.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-09-02}}</ref> In 2001 this law survived a court challenge under the ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2001/08/03/squeegee_010803.html | accessdate=2006-09-29 | title='Squeegee kids' law upheld in Ontario | publisher=CBC News | date=2001-08-03 }}</ref> The law was further upheld by the ] in January 2007.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2007/01/17/tor-squeegee.html | accessdate=2007-03-19 | title=Squeegee panhandling washed out by Ontario Appeal Court | publisher=CBC News | date=2007-01-17 }}</ref> The province of ] introduced its ] in 1999 to restrict rare cases of aggressive begging.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/99s08_e.htm | publisher=Government of Ontario | title=Safe Streets Act | year=1999 | accessdate=2006-09-29 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060902063618/http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/99s08_e.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-09-02}}</ref> In 2001 this law survived a court challenge under the ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2001/08/03/squeegee_010803.html | accessdate=2006-09-29 | title='Squeegee kids' law upheld in Ontario | publisher=CBC News | date=2001-08-03 }}</ref> The law was further upheld by the ] in January 2007.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2007/01/17/tor-squeegee.html | accessdate=2007-03-19 | title=Squeegee panhandling washed out by Ontario Appeal Court | publisher=CBC News | date=2007-01-17 }}</ref>


One response to the anti-panhandling laws which were passed was the creation of the ] which fights for the political rights of panhandlers. The union is a shop of the ]. One response to the anti-panhandling laws which were passed was the creation of the ] which fights for the political rights of panhandlers. The union is a shop of the ].


] enacted its own ] in 2004 which resembles the Ontario law. There are also critics in that province who oppose such laws.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_graham20041026.html | accessdate=2006-09-29 | publisher=CBC News | date=2004-10-26 | title=Police chief welcomes Safe Streets Act |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070510121642/http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_graham20041026.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-05-10}}</ref> In 2004, ] passed its own ] based on the Ontario law. It has been criticised.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_graham20041026.html | accessdate=2006-09-29 | publisher=CBC News | date=2004-10-26 | title=Police chief welcomes Safe Streets Act |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070510121642/http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_graham20041026.html|archivedate = 2007-05-10}}</ref>


===United States=== ===United States===
In parts of ], aggressive panhandling is prohibited.<ref>, ], 10 March 2010</ref> In parts of ], aggressive panhandling is prohibited.<ref>, ], 10 March 2010</ref>


In May 2010, police in the city of ] started cracking down on panhandling in the streets in downtown, and were conducting an educational outreach to residents advising them not to give to panhandlers. The Boston police distinguished active solicitation, or aggressive panhandling, versus passive panhandling of which an example is opening doors at store with a cup in hand but saying nothing.<ref>Schuler, Melina, "Cops Planning to Combat Panhandling", '']'', May 14–20 issue, 2010. "Aggressive solicitation is against the law and is defined as an action that is likely to cause a reasonable person to fear harm or to intimidate him or her into compliance, Ivens said. Passive panhandling, like in front of a convenience store, is constitutionally allowed, however, it is a violation of a Boston ordinance to do it within 10 feet of an ATM, bank, or check cashing business during hours of operation, Ivens said."</ref> In May 2010, the ] cracked down on downtown beggars, and advised residents not to give to panhandlers. The Boston police distinguished active solicitation (aggressive panhandling) from passive panhandling – opening doors at store with a cup in hand and saying nothing.<ref>Schuler, Melina, "Cops Planning to Combat Panhandling", '']'', May 14–20 issue, 2010. "Aggressive solicitation is against the law and is defined as an action that is likely to cause a reasonable person to fear harm or to intimidate him or her into compliance, Ivens said. Passive panhandling, like in front of a convenience store, is constitutionally allowed, however, it is a violation of a Boston ordinance to do it within 10 feet of an ATM, bank, or check cashing business during hours of operation, Ivens said."</ref>


===United Kingdom=== ===United Kingdom===
Begging is illegal under the ]. However it does not carry a jail sentence and is not well enforced in many cities,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1439443/Beggar-ban-may-spark-nationwide-crackdown.html|title=Beggar ban may spark nationwide crackdown | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | first=Nigel | last=Bunyan | date=2003-08-22 | accessdate=2010-04-26|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref> although since the Act applies in all public places it is enforced more frequently on public transport. Begging is illegal under the ]. However it does not carry a jail sentence and is not well enforced in many cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1439443/Beggar-ban-may-spark-nationwide-crackdown.html|title=Beggar ban may spark nationwide crackdown | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | first=Nigel | last=Bunyan | date=2003-08-22 | accessdate=2010-04-26|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref> The act is enforced on public transport.


===Finland=== ===Finland===
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===Romania=== ===Romania===
Law 61 of 1991 forbids the persistent call for the mercy of the public, by a person which is able to work.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Poliția de Proximitate|url=http://www.politiaproximitate.ro/legea_61.html|title=Legea nr. 61/1991 (republicata 2011)|language=Romanian|accessdate=2011-12-01}}</ref> Law 61 of 1991 forbids begging by those able to work.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Poliția de Proximitate|url=http://www.politiaproximitate.ro/legea_61.html|title=Legea nr. 61/1991 (republicata 2011)|language=Romanian|accessdate=2011-12-01}}</ref>


US State Department Human Rights reports note a pattern of ] children registered for "vagrancy and begging".<ref>{{cite web | publisher=U.S. Department of State | url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61641.htm | title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2005 (Romania) | date=2006-03-08 | author = Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor | accessdate=2006-09-29 | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060929082052/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61641.htm| archivedate= 29 September 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> US State Department Human Rights reports note a pattern of ] children registered for "vagrancy and begging".<ref>{{cite web | publisher=U.S. Department of State | url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61641.htm | title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2005 (Romania) | date=2006-03-08 | author = Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor | accessdate=2006-09-29 | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060929082052/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61641.htm| archivedate= 29 September 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>


===Japan=== ===Japan===
]s appear in public when begging for alms.<ref name=JNTO>{{cite web | url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/featuredarticles/kie/zen/kie_zen_01.html | publisher=Japan National Tourist Organisation | accessdate=2008-07-27 | title=The Zen - Teaching of Mu }}</ref> Although ] is common, such people rarely beg. ]s appear in public when begging for alms.<ref name=JNTO>{{cite web | url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/featuredarticles/kie/zen/kie_zen_01.html | publisher=Japan National Tourist Organisation | accessdate=2008-07-27 | title=The Zen - Teaching of Mu }}</ref> Although ] is common, such people rarely beg.{{Citation needed|date=June 2014}}


===Portugal=== ===Portugal===
In Portugal, panhandlers normally beg in front of Catholic churches, at traffic lights or on special places in ] or ] downtowns. Begging is not illegal in Portugal. Many social and religious institutions support homeless people and panhandlers and the Portuguese Social Security normally gives them a survival monetary subsidy. In Portugal, panhandlers normally beg in front of Catholic churches, at traffic lights or at special places in ] or ] downtowns. Begging is legal in Portugal. Many social and religious institutions support homeless people and beggars and the Portuguese Social Security normally gives them a survival subsidy.


===Luxembourg=== ===Luxembourg===
Begging in ] is legal except when it is indulged in as a group or the beggar is a part of an organised effort. According to ] a ] rights advocacy ] 1639 begging cases were reported by Luxembourgian law enforcement authorities. Roma beggars were arrested, handcuffed, taken to police stations and held for hours and have their money confiscated.<ref name="CouncilOfEurope-20120601">{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.coe.int/Communication/01062012_GrothRoma_E.pdf|title=The situation of Roma in Europe: movement and migration |last=Groth|first=Annette|date=2012-06-01|publisher=Council of Europe: Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons|accessdate=14 April 2013}}</ref> Begging in ] is legal except when in group or as part of an organised effort. According to ] a ] rights advocacy ] 1639 begging cases were reported by Luxembourgian police. Roma beggars were arrested, handcuffed, taken to police stations and held for hours with their money confiscated.<ref name="CouncilOfEurope-20120601">{{cite web|url=http://www.assembly.coe.int/Communication/01062012_GrothRoma_E.pdf|title=The situation of Roma in Europe: movement and migration |last=Groth|first=Annette|date=2012-06-01|publisher=Council of Europe: Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons|accessdate=14 April 2013}}</ref>


==Use of funds== ==Use of funds==
A 2002 study of 54 panhandlers in Toronto reported that of a median monthly income of $638 ]s (CAD), those interviewed spent a median of $200 CAD on food and $192 CAD on alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, according to A 2002 study of 54 panhandlers in Toronto reported that of a median monthly income of 638 ]s, those interviewed spent a median of C$ 200 on food and C$ 192 on alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, according to
''Income and spending patterns among panhandlers'', by Rohit Bose and Stephen W. Hwang.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=121964 | publisher=Canadian Medical Association Journal | author=Bose, Rohit and Hwang, Stephen W. | title=Income and spending patterns among panhandlers | date=2002-09-03 | pages=167(5) 477–479 | accessdate=2006-09-29 }}</ref> The ] criticized this study citing problems with potential exclusion of lucrative forms of begging and the unreliability of reports from the panhandlers who were polled in the Bose/Hwang study.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/canstats/readdetail.asp?id=406 | title=Begging for Data | publisher=Canstats | date=3 September 2002 | accessdate=2006-09-29 }}</ref> ''Income and spending patterns among panhandlers'', by Rohit Bose and Stephen W. Hwang.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=121964 | publisher=Canadian Medical Association Journal | author=Bose, Rohit and Hwang, Stephen W. | title=Income and spending patterns among panhandlers | date=2002-09-03 | pages=167(5) 477–479 | accessdate=2006-09-29 }}</ref> The ] criticised this study on excluding lucrative forms of begging and on the unreliability of panhandlers polled.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/canstats/readdetail.asp?id=406 | title=Begging for Data | publisher=Canstats | date=3 September 2002 | accessdate=2006-09-29 }}</ref>


In North America, panhandling money is widely reported to support substance abuse and other addictions. For example, outreach workers in downtown ], ], surveyed that city's panhandling community and determined that approximately three-quarters use donated money to buy tobacco products while two-thirds buy solvents or alcohol.<ref name=WinnipegBiz>{{cite web | url=http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/inc/app/winnipegbiz/data/CFTB_factsheet.pdf | publisher=Downtown Winnipeg Biz | title="Change for the Better" fact sheet | format=PDF | accessdate=2006-09-29 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060813220022/http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/inc/app/winnipegbiz/data/CFTB_factsheet.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-08-13}}</ref> In Midtown Manhattan, one outreach worker anecdotally commented to the New York Times that substance abuse accounts for 90 percent of panhandling funds.<ref>{{cite news | publisher=The New York Times | date=1999-12-04 | url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10D11FF3E5A0C778CDDAB0994D1494D81 | title=The Big City; The Handout That's No Help To the Needy | last=Tierney | first=John | page=B1 | accessdate=2006-09-29 }}</ref> In North America, panhandling money is widely reported to support substance abuse and other addictions. For example, outreach workers in downtown ], ], surveyed that city's panhandling community and determined that three-quarters buy tobacco products and two-thirds solvents or alcohol.<ref name=WinnipegBiz>{{cite web | url=http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/inc/app/winnipegbiz/data/CFTB_factsheet.pdf | publisher=Downtown Winnipeg Biz | title="Change for the Better" fact sheet | format=PDF | accessdate=2006-09-29 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060813220022/http://www.downtownwinnipegbiz.com/inc/app/winnipegbiz/data/CFTB_factsheet.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-08-13}}</ref> In Midtown Manhattan, one outreach worker commented to the New York Times that substance abuse accounts for most of panhandling funds.<ref>{{cite news | publisher=The New York Times | date=1999-12-04 | url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10D11FF3E5A0C778CDDAB0994D1494D81 | title=The Big City; The Handout That's No Help To the Needy | last=Tierney | first=John | page=B1 | accessdate=2006-09-29 }}</ref>


==Communities reducing street begging== ==Communities reducing street begging==
Because of concerns that people begging on the street may use the money to support alcohol or drug abuse, some advise those wishing to give to beggars to give gift cards or vouchers for food or services, and not cash.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.academia.edu/2961622/Oxford_anti-begging_campaign_effectiveness_evaluation | title=Evaluation study of the Oxford Begging Initiative | publisher=Oxford City Council | accessdate=2013-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Johnsen & Fitzpatrick|first=S. & S.|title=Revanchist Sanitisation or Coercive Care? The Use of Enforcement to Combat Begging, Street Drinking and Rough Sleeping in England|journal=Urban Studies|year=2010|volume=47|issue=8|pages=1703–1723|url=http://usj.sagepub.com/content/47/8/1703.abstract|accessdate=November 25, 2013|doi=10.1177/0042098009356128}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Hermer |first=J. |date=1999 |title=Policing compassion: ‘Diverted Giving’ on the Winchester High Street |url=http://focus.library.utoronto.ca/works/4388 |location=Bristol |publisher=The Policy Press |isbn=1861341555 |accessdate=2013-10-25 }}</ref><ref name=WinnipegBiz /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.portlandalliance.com/downtown_services/real-change.html | title=Real Change, not Spare Change | publisher=Portland Business Alliance | accessdate=2006-09-30 | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20061113185159/http://www.portlandalliance.com/downtown_services/real-change.html| archivedate= 13 November 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Dromi|first=Shai M.|title=Penny for your Thoughts: Beggars and the Exercise of Morality in Daily Life|journal=Sociological Forum|year=2012|volume=27|issue=4|pages=847–871|doi=10.1111/j.1573-7861.2012.01359.x|url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1573-7861.2012.01359.x/abstract|accessdate=2012-11-18}}</ref> Some shelters also offer business cards with information on the shelter's location and services, which can be given in lieu of cash.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gwu.edu/~peace_st/homelessness.html | publisher=George Washington University | author=Peace Studies Program | accessdate=2006-09-30 | title=Homelessness Contact Cards | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060909032358/http://www.gwu.edu/~peace_st/homelessness.html| archivedate= 9 September 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Concerned that beggars use money for drugs and alcohol, some advise giving food vouchers instead.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.academia.edu/2961622/Oxford_anti-begging_campaign_effectiveness_evaluation | title=Evaluation study of the Oxford Begging Initiative | publisher=Oxford City Council | accessdate=2013-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Johnsen & Fitzpatrick|first=S. & S.|title=Revanchist Sanitisation or Coercive Care? The Use of Enforcement to Combat Begging, Street Drinking and Rough Sleeping in England|journal=Urban Studies|year=2010|volume=47|issue=8|pages=1703–1723|url=http://usj.sagepub.com/content/47/8/1703.abstract|accessdate=November 25, 2013|doi=10.1177/0042098009356128}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Hermer |first=J. |date=1999 |title=Policing compassion: ‘Diverted Giving’ on the Winchester High Street |url=http://focus.library.utoronto.ca/works/4388 |location=Bristol |publisher=The Policy Press |isbn=1861341555 |accessdate=2013-10-25 }}</ref><ref name=WinnipegBiz /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.portlandalliance.com/downtown_services/real-change.html | title=Real Change, not Spare Change | publisher=Portland Business Alliance | accessdate=2006-09-30 | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20061113185159/http://www.portlandalliance.com/downtown_services/real-change.html| archivedate= 13 November 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Dromi|first=Shai M.|title=Penny for your Thoughts: Beggars and the Exercise of Morality in Daily Life|journal=Sociological Forum|year=2012|volume=27|issue=4|pages=847–871|doi=10.1111/j.1573-7861.2012.01359.x|url=http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1573-7861.2012.01359.x/abstract|accessdate=2012-11-18}}</ref> One can also give shelter business cards with information on the shelter's location and services.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gwu.edu/~peace_st/homelessness.html | publisher=George Washington University | author=Peace Studies Program | accessdate=2006-09-30 | title=Homelessness Contact Cards | archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20060909032358/http://www.gwu.edu/~peace_st/homelessness.html| archivedate= 9 September 2006 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>


]"'', illustrated by ], a beggar playing a major role in a ] adventure.]] ]"'', illustrated by ], a beggar playing a major role in a ] adventure.]]

Revision as of 01:32, 2 June 2014

"Beggar" redirects here. Not to be confused with Begga or Bega (disambiguation). For other uses, see Begging (disambiguation).
It has been suggested that Aggressive panhandling be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since March 2014.
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Begging or panhandling is to make a living by asking for money or food. Beggars are found on transport routes, in urban parks, and near busy markets.

Beggar, 1622, by Jacques Callot

According to a study in the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, "(70%) would prefer a minimum-wage job, a 'steady income' and to get 'off the street.' However, many felt they could not handle conventional jobs because of mental illness, disability, or lack of skill."

History

The Singing Beggars by Russian painter Ivan Yermenyov c. 1775

Greece

Ancient Greeks distinguished between the ptochos (Greek: πτωχός, "passive poor" or "beggars") and the penes (Greek: ποινής, "active poor") of higher social status. The New Testament contains several references to Jesus' status as the savior of the ptochos, the most wretched portion of society.

Britain

In a 1786 James Gillray caricature, the plentiful money bags handed to King George III are contrasted with the beggar whose legs and arms were amputated, in the left corner

A Caveat or Warning for Common Cursitors, vulgarly called vagabonds, was first published in 1566 by Thomas Harman. From early modern England, another example is Robert Greene in his coney-catching pamphlets, the titles of which included "The Defence of Conny-catching," in which he argued there were worse crimes to be found among "reputable" people. The Beggar's Opera is a ballad opera in three acts written in 1728 by John Gay. The Life and Adventures of Bampfylde Moore Carew was first published in 1745. There are similar writers for many European countries in the early modern period.

According to Jackson J. Spielvogel, "Poverty was a highly visible problem in the eighteenth century, both in cities and in the countryside... Beggars in Bologna were estimated at 25 percent of the population; in Mainz, figures indicate that 30 percent of the people were beggars or prostitutes... In France and Britain by the end of the century, an estimated 10 percent of the people depended on charity or begging for their food."

The British Poor Laws, dating from the Renaissance, placed various restrictions on begging. At various times, begging was restricted to the disabled. This system developed into the workhouse, a state-operated institution where those unable to obtain other employment were forced to work in often grim conditions in exchange for a small amount of food. The welfare state of the 20th century greatly reduced the number of beggars by directly providing for the basic necessities of the poor from state funds.

Religious begging

Main article: Mendicant

Many religions establish begging to social classes, typically to allow focusing on spiritual development.

In Buddhism, monks and nuns traditionally live by begging for alms, as did the historical Gautama Buddha himself. This is, among other reasons, so that lay people can gain religious merit by giving food, medicines, and other essential items to the monks. The monks seldom need to plead for food; in villages and towns throughout modern Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and other Buddhist countries, householders can often be found at dawn every morning streaming down the road to the local temple to give food to the monks. In East Asia, monks and nuns were expected to farm or work for returns to feed themselves up.

Examples exist in Christianity, Hinduism, Sufi Islam, and Jainism.

Legal restrictions

See also: Anti-homelessness legislation
A kindness meter in downtown Ottawa, Canada. The meter accepts donations for charitable efforts to help the poor as part of an official effort to discourage panhandling.

Begging can be restricted to push people to work and preserve public order. In Europe, Poor Laws have regulated begging since the Renaissance.

A street beggar in India gets into the car

Aggressive panhandling is prohibited in various jurisdictions of the United States and Canada.

Canada

"Begging for fun". Man with sign "Can I Have A Beer Man"

The province of Ontario introduced its Safe Streets Act in 1999 to restrict rare cases of aggressive begging. In 2001 this law survived a court challenge under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The law was further upheld by the Court of Appeal for Ontario in January 2007.

One response to the anti-panhandling laws which were passed was the creation of the Ottawa Panhandlers Union which fights for the political rights of panhandlers. The union is a shop of the Industrial Workers of the World.

In 2004, British Columbia passed its own Safe Streets Act based on the Ontario law. It has been criticised.

United States

In parts of San Francisco, California, aggressive panhandling is prohibited.

In May 2010, the Boston police cracked down on downtown beggars, and advised residents not to give to panhandlers. The Boston police distinguished active solicitation (aggressive panhandling) from passive panhandling – opening doors at store with a cup in hand and saying nothing.

United Kingdom

Begging is illegal under the Vagrancy Act of 1824. However it does not carry a jail sentence and is not well enforced in many cities. The act is enforced on public transport.

Finland

Begging has been legal in Finland since 1987 when the Poor Law was invalidated. In 2003, the Public Order Act replaced any local government rules and completely decriminalized begging.

Louis Dewis, "The Old Beggar", Bordeaux, France, 1916

Romania

Law 61 of 1991 forbids begging by those able to work.

US State Department Human Rights reports note a pattern of Roma children registered for "vagrancy and begging".

Japan

Buddhist monks appear in public when begging for alms. Although homelessness in Japan is common, such people rarely beg.

Portugal

In Portugal, panhandlers normally beg in front of Catholic churches, at traffic lights or at special places in Lisbon or Oporto downtowns. Begging is legal in Portugal. Many social and religious institutions support homeless people and beggars and the Portuguese Social Security normally gives them a survival subsidy.

Luxembourg

Begging in Luxembourg is legal except when in group or as part of an organised effort. According to Chachipe a Roma rights advocacy NGO 1639 begging cases were reported by Luxembourgian police. Roma beggars were arrested, handcuffed, taken to police stations and held for hours with their money confiscated.

Use of funds

A 2002 study of 54 panhandlers in Toronto reported that of a median monthly income of 638 Canadian dollars, those interviewed spent a median of C$ 200 on food and C$ 192 on alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, according to Income and spending patterns among panhandlers, by Rohit Bose and Stephen W. Hwang. The Fraser Institute criticised this study on excluding lucrative forms of begging and on the unreliability of panhandlers polled.

In North America, panhandling money is widely reported to support substance abuse and other addictions. For example, outreach workers in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, surveyed that city's panhandling community and determined that three-quarters buy tobacco products and two-thirds solvents or alcohol. In Midtown Manhattan, one outreach worker commented to the New York Times that substance abuse accounts for most of panhandling funds.

Communities reducing street begging

Concerned that beggars use money for drugs and alcohol, some advise giving food vouchers instead. One can also give shelter business cards with information on the shelter's location and services.

"The Man with the Twisted Lip", illustrated by Sidney Paget, a beggar playing a major role in a Sherlock Holmes adventure.

Notable beggars

See also

References

  1. "Income and spending patterns among panhandlers". CMAJ. 167 (5): 477–9. September 2002. PMC 121964. PMID 12240813.
  2. Cavallo, Guglielmo (1997). The Byzantines. Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0-226-09792-7. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  3. http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/ptochos.html
  4. Jackson J. Spielvogel (2008). "Western Civilization: Since 1500". Cengage Learning. p.566. ISBN 0-495-50287-1
  5. "農禪vs商禪" (in Template:Zh icon). Blog.udn.com. 2009-08-19. Retrieved 2011-12-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
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  8. Johnny Johnson (November 3, 2008). "In tough times, panhandling may increase in Oklahoma City" (Document). The Oklahoman. {{cite document}}: Unknown parameter |url= ignored (help)
  9. "Safe Streets Act". Government of Ontario. 1999. Archived from the original on 2006-09-02. Retrieved 2006-09-29.
  10. "'Squeegee kids' law upheld in Ontario". CBC News. 2001-08-03. Retrieved 2006-09-29.
  11. "Squeegee panhandling washed out by Ontario Appeal Court". CBC News. 2007-01-17. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
  12. "Police chief welcomes Safe Streets Act". CBC News. 2004-10-26. Archived from the original on 2007-05-10. Retrieved 2006-09-29.
  13. Debate Continues Over Proposed Sit-Lie Ordinance, KTVU, 10 March 2010
  14. Schuler, Melina, "Cops Planning to Combat Panhandling", The Boston Courant, May 14–20 issue, 2010. "Aggressive solicitation is against the law and is defined as an action that is likely to cause a reasonable person to fear harm or to intimidate him or her into compliance, Ivens said. Passive panhandling, like in front of a convenience store, is constitutionally allowed, however, it is a violation of a Boston ordinance to do it within 10 feet of an ATM, bank, or check cashing business during hours of operation, Ivens said."
  15. Bunyan, Nigel (2003-08-22). "Beggar ban may spark nationwide crackdown". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 2010-04-26.
  16. "Authorities powerless to act against beggars with children in tow" (Document). Helsingin Sanomat. {{cite document}}: Unknown parameter |url= ignored (help)
  17. "Legea nr. 61/1991 (republicata 2011)" (in Romanian). Poliția de Proximitate. Retrieved 2011-12-01.
  18. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (2006-03-08). "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2005 (Romania)". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 29 September 2006. Retrieved 2006-09-29. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. "The Zen - Teaching of Mu". Japan National Tourist Organisation. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
  20. Groth, Annette (2012-06-01). "The situation of Roma in Europe: movement and migration" (PDF). Council of Europe: Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
  21. Bose, Rohit and Hwang, Stephen W. (2002-09-03). "Income and spending patterns among panhandlers". Canadian Medical Association Journal. pp. 167(5) 477–479. Retrieved 2006-09-29.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  22. "Begging for Data". Canstats. 3 September 2002. Retrieved 2006-09-29.
  23. ^ ""Change for the Better" fact sheet" (PDF). Downtown Winnipeg Biz. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-08-13. Retrieved 2006-09-29.
  24. Tierney, John (1999-12-04). "The Big City; The Handout That's No Help To the Needy". The New York Times. p. B1. Retrieved 2006-09-29.
  25. "Evaluation study of the Oxford Begging Initiative". Oxford City Council. Retrieved 2013-10-25.
  26. Johnsen & Fitzpatrick, S. & S. (2010). "Revanchist Sanitisation or Coercive Care? The Use of Enforcement to Combat Begging, Street Drinking and Rough Sleeping in England". Urban Studies. 47 (8): 1703–1723. doi:10.1177/0042098009356128. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  27. Hermer, J. (1999). Policing compassion: ‘Diverted Giving’ on the Winchester High Street. Bristol: The Policy Press. ISBN 1861341555. Retrieved 2013-10-25.
  28. "Real Change, not Spare Change". Portland Business Alliance. Archived from the original on 13 November 2006. Retrieved 2006-09-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. Dromi, Shai M. (2012). "Penny for your Thoughts: Beggars and the Exercise of Morality in Daily Life". Sociological Forum. 27 (4): 847–871. doi:10.1111/j.1573-7861.2012.01359.x. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
  30. Peace Studies Program. "Homelessness Contact Cards". George Washington University. Archived from the original on 9 September 2006. Retrieved 2006-09-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. "Begging Bowl - Buddhist Things". ReligionFacts. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  32. "Shabkar Tsokdruk Rangdrol". Rigpa Wiki. 2009-10-06. Retrieved 2011-12-05.

Further reading

External links

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