This novel was written in the 19th century and belongs to the Victorian period. This period is characterised on the one hand by its economical , social and political progress, on the other hand there are doubts, spiritual crisis... There is optimism in the industry (the British empire is built, there are democratic changes...); but there are also dobts, poorness of spirit, so people begin to feel religious and moral uncertainities. There are problems of poverty among the population. All this big difference between the two sections of the population leads in the growth or increase of materialism within society.
    During this period, is very common the ideal of utilitarism, this means that what is good for the main part of the society is good for the whole society, for all. And this is the theme that Hard Times is going to treat focussing on British society of 19th century.