제인 애덤스(Jane Addams)의 사회개혁운동

The Social Reform Movement of Jane Addams with a Hull-House

Industrialization and urbanization, which began in earnest after the American Civil War, seemed to promise prosperity for America, but the working class, largely consisting of immigrants, lived in slums, not belonging to the mainstream of American society, and had to face the problem of poverty. Under these circumstances, new American women, who appeared in the 19th ~ early 20th century, took the initiative in the social reform movement through the welfare center movement, and strived to improve the environment for the general public in terms of health, education, and employment, particularly for the poor who really needed their help. They took problems, which had long been regarded as private, out to the public sphere, re-defined the roles of the nation, and dreamed of a maternal state equipped with a sense of humanity that could rescue the people from poverty, cure disease, and teach people how to live. The social welfare centers founded by these women spread rapidly, and by 1900, about 100 welfare centers were opened. However, because of white elite-centered thinking, they failed to narrow the gap between the target of reform and the reformers. In this respect, Jane Addams has special significance. She had a clear belief in democracy, and worked for the democratization of society, in which equal opportunities were granted to everyone. The starting point of her efforts was Hull House. Hull House, which is the welfare center that she founded in a Chicago slum in 1889, changed the poor from being the targets of reform to being the subjects of reform through various welfare programs, giving them an opportunity to escape from poverty. In addition, it offered highly-educated women, who had felt powerless due a lack of opportunities to do professional work, the opportunity to apply their knowledge. These women who volunteered for Hull House later worked as key members of the social reform movement. In addition, they advanced into the department of administration, which meant that they had an influence on the construction of the national welfare system. Jane Addams legacy continued with the New Deal, which was created while America went through the Great Depression, had a big influence on the establishment of the welfare system in America, and is thought to have played a big role in the establishment of a stable, harmonious American society. In this respect, the work of Jane Addams social reform should be held in high regard.