Is it possible that the word idleness is meant differently here? It sounds to me as a way to prevent associated societal problems, real or otherwise: criminali

Is it possible that the word idleness is meant differently here? It sounds to me as a way to prevent associated societal problems, real or otherwise: criminality, alcohol abuse, homelessness In today’s context we read being idle as leisure time - and we have way more options to be idle with games and movies while still having a nice life with food and safety for everyone Back then bring idle might simply mean being one step away from moving to the woods and stealing from the rich like Robin hood