What Was The Women's Role In The Progressive Movement

The Progressive Era was full of activism and reform for both social and political reasons throughout the United States of America. The role women played in activism during this era was extremely important to the achievements made and for the establishment of the welfare state in the country that many benefitted from. Therefore, the Progressive Era would not have affected the United States the way it did without the role that women played during that time.

The middle-class women of the late 19th century and the early 20th century achieved remarkable things. Many changed the way women were viewed. For instance, more women than ever before were attending colleges and the teaching profession was transformed into a female-dominated occupation. With higher education under their belts and also experience from the social-settlement movement, women were able to establish organizations and organize social movements that led to change in America. One of the most important reasons why middle-class women succeeded so much in reforms

At this time, women did not have the immediate power to change laws, but they did the power to gain support much faster than the men that did have immediate power. That is why with the “effective coalition [that women had] with men”, women had “access to the institutional power and positions of public authority that men held,” and in return gave men “the grass-roots support that women could mobilize” (Skylar). Without the support that women had, men that had power could not use their abilities to their fullest potential. With the mutual benefit they had, men and women were able to pass different legislations, such as state mothers’ pensions laws and welfare. Therefore, the role of women during this era was essential in aiding powerful men that could bring about reform in the United