The Social Work Of "New Women" In American Progressive Era

At the end of19thcentury and the beginning of20thcentury, the United States was inthe transformation time,which is known as progressive era.During this time, the educatedyouth centered "new women" walk in the forefront of the times.They enhanced theirindependent consciousness by accepting higher school education. The specialbackground at that age made the "new women" into the society and open their own greatcause.So this paper will focus on the" hull house",which was found by the "new women"whom led by Jane Addams,detail their social work in the"hull house",consider theirsocial work with the professional perspective and call them as social workers.The introduction mainly presents the research situations of this topic at home andabroad, this paper researches the significance as well as characteristics and innovation,and some main concepts are defined and illustrated.The first part analyzes the historical background and intrinsic motivation of the"new women"into the society.We can see that the "new women"into the society is basedon that society provided opportunities for them,and also is urgent need of socialdevelopment.The second part details the social work of "new women"in the "hull house". Theirmainly work includes caring and helping immigrants and youth, improving communityconstruction environment as well as promoting the social legislation of the maintenanceof labor rights in the"hull house", etc. It has to point out that the success of their greatcause is the result of struggling together, not only the individual can achieve. Somesocial workers are often unknown, however, it is their charm.The third part chiefly assesses the social work of the "new women".On the one hand,it has to point out its progressive senses,it plays important roles in the development ofwomen professionalization and involvement of more fields,as well as the inheritance anddevelopment of social work.On the other hand,it also has limitations,it further need toimprove on the professional level and social basis and thought.The conclusion summarizes the whole article, and draws some inspirations and points out that the social work of "new women" has references for us to constructharmonious society.And finally,it has to point out deficiencies in this paper.