摩尔的“羊吃人”论断是对英国圈地现象的经典评论。然而,15世纪末至16世纪初,英国的圈地活动并没有出现大量的农民失去土地,被迫流浪的现象。那时的圈地活动及其后果并没有像摩尔所说得那样严重,那些失去土地的人不仅可以从事于工场工业,特别是毛纺织业等工作。而且,还可获得政府的救济和私人慈善的救助。因此,至少在16世纪,他们的生存环境并没有明显恶化。 Moore’s “Sheep eating” thesis is a classic comment on the phenomenon of the British enclosure. However, from the late 15th century to the beginning of the 16th century, there was not a large number of peasants losing land and being forced to stray in the enclave in Britain. The enclosure and its consequences at that time were not as severe as what Moore said. Those who lost their land could not only work in the factory industry, but especially in the wool textile industry. Moreover, government relief and private charitable aid are also available. Therefore, at least in the 16th century, their living environment did not significantly deteriorate.