On the “margins” of society, precarious realities of life exist in the middle of the centers of power. In the age of industrialization, cities are rapidly growing into metropolises, and with them poverty.

In the age of industrialization, the cities of the 19th century were transformed into magnificent metropolises, a complete expression of the power of their rulers. This upswing was also felt in the center of the Habsburg Empire, which developed into one of the most prosperous cities in Europe.

Crowds of people from all corners of the monarchy flock to Vienna in search of work. In the age of unstoppable progress, magnificent buildings and residences shoot up on the surface, but underground, directly under these symbols of power, the displaced eke out an existence. They find refuge in the widely ramified sewage system, along the Danube Canal or the Wien River, the dependents of this system live because they cannot or do not want to keep up – vagrants, prostitutes, day labourers, crooks and stutterers.

The work situation of the majority of the population was dominated by exploitation. Social reports opened up a view of incomprehensible grievances, fascinated, amazed and outraged. Faced with daily brutality and coercion in the workplace, many organized and began a struggle for their rights.

Women had to show a lot of strength and perseverance in the patriarchal society, because the path to equality continues to this day.

In this historical documentation by Bernhard Riener, displaced people come to the fore, and with them their fate, living space and social position.