Blog # 9

Textbook: Chapter 6

1. The forces that drove women to immigrate to United States were independence, arranged marriages, the opportunity to merry men on their own choosing, economic independence as to work for their own wage, single mothers that were afraid to the scandal, women that had nothing to offer in a marriage according to some of the countries’ traditions. Also, economic forces as poverty, limited opportunities and rigid morality at home were some of the circumstances that accelerated the immigration to U.S. In addition, political persecution was another reason for people to come to U.S. seeking political protection or simply to initiate a new life. Furthermore, women were mistreated due to healthy issues or suspicious of diseases. These women were isolated, confined and ultimately deported.

Men shared some of the ideas with women about the causes of immigration as economic forces and political persecution. Men also, wanted to be part of America’s prosperity and growth.

2. Women that participated in industrial protests and suffrage movement belonged to the working-class while the Settlement House Movement was formed for middle-class and upper-class women. Regardless any level class, women had a common goal: self and economic independence. The different groups were fighting for equal rights in the U.S. Constitution and social welfare provision that would help working-class women and families. Both movements were combating women subordination that will lead them later to a “modern social welfare reform.” (Pg.367)

Textbook Document
3. During her stay at the Hull House Addam analyzed the contradictory frameworks between benefactors and the beneficiaries at the charity house. She questioned the motives that rich people had in helping poor people when some of them they have the power to no let them be in that position, which behavior ultimately are hypocrite and it’s just a society’s requirement. Adam’s also, study the relationship between parents and children. A family role model will be pass their values and ideologies to future generations no questioning if they are right or wrong but instead perpetrating it throughout time.

Addam’s philosophy said that lower stage and backwards cultures are a necessary evil because without it they will be no evolution to higher stages and superior cultures. She also, mentioned that leisure women had become superficial and had not feelings at all with elemental human needs.

The most complex reflection that Jane Addams point in this essay is her conclusion in how difficult is “To love mercy” (Pg.385) with fairness and in a humble way because each one by itself is not easy to fulfill, understanding that the combination of the three is more complex to accomplish.

4. Jane Addam’s perspective became more sharp and genuine as a result of her volunteer work at the settlement houses. She along with another group of people was successfully able to help women and children affected by economic depression or social issues. Her studies helped her to understand better the co-relationship between benefactors and beneficiaries furthermore to help poor women and children who had no education opportunities and were more affected by labor democracy.

Addam developed empathy for immigrant children and fought to ban child labor. She was misunderstood by poor and rich people however her philosophy influenced reformers from all over the world to finally turn her into the head of the women’s international peace movement.