 Barnett describes a threefold rationale for the development and growth of settlements: First, a general distrust that government-sponsored institutions could care for the poor. In particular, government and private philanthropy appeared to be failing the masses. Second, Barnett viewed the need for information as spurring the rise of settlements. Barnett believed there was widespread curiosity regarding oppression that he could satisfy with documented observations regarding the circumstances of the poor. Finally, Barnett notes a groundswell of fellowship not driven by traditional “Charities and Missions” but by fundamental humanitarianism. Settlements provided an outlet for these fellow feelings.