Harnessing the power of motherhood : the National Florence Crittenton Mission, 1883-1925 / Katherine G. Aiken.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Aiken, Katherine G., 1951-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

National Florence Crittenton Mission--History.

National Florence Crittenton Mission.

Rescue work--United States--History.

Rescue work.

Unmarried mothers--Services for--United States--History.

Unmarried mothers.

Social work with prostitutes--United States--History.

Social work with prostitutes.

History.

Unmarried mothers--Services for.

United States.

Physical Description:

xxiv, 266 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Knoxville : University of Tennessee Press, [1998]

Summary:

The National Florence Crittenton Mission (N.F.C.M.), founded in 1883, pioneered rescue work to aid prostitutes, unmarried mothers, and their children through a large chain of institutional homes. In Harnessing the Power of Motherhood, Katherine G. Aiken explores the history of the N.F.C.M., painting a fascinating portrait of a politicized organization that became one of the most significant social welfare movements of its time. Aiken discusses the N.F.C.M.'s development, its programs and policies, and especially its influential leaders, Charles Nelson Crittenton and Dr. Kate Waller Barrett.

Begun as an organization to rescue "fallen" women, by 1924 the N.F.C.M. had expanded its social programs and political agenda along lines that could today be called feminist. Aiken argues that the N.F.C.M. -- which eventually established maternity homes in seventy-three U.S. cities -- attracted female volunteers by espousing the redemptive power of motherhood as a means to improve women's condition. Drawing on historical documents such as the monthly journals produced by Crittenton workers, Aiken shows that maternalism was a potent rhetorical tool in the hands of N.F.C.M activists, often used to promote a progressive social agenda in a conservative guise.

Under Barrett's direction the organization expanded its programs to include women's health care, aid for victims of abuse and incest, and day care facilities for working families; at the same time, it embraced causes such as women's suffrage and rights for illegitimate children. Today, Florence Crittenton organizations in several states continue this legacy.

Touching on many issues of contemporary social relevance, Harnessing the Power ofMotherhood illuminates both an influential social work organization and a vital period of transition in women's history.

Contents:

The merchant evangelist : Charles Nelson Crittenton

Kate Waller Barrett : motherhood as a means of regeneration

A well-run home

Helping hands : women's Florence Crittenton work

The National Florence Crittenton Mission and "white slavery"

The great war and after.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 213-250) and index.

ISBN:

1572330171

OCLC:

38519144