Linking Stages in the Development of Applied Sociology and Women's Studies

Abstract

As a field, applied sociology has developed along with the growth of women's studies. Women's studies scholars have called for greater recognition and appreciation of early women scholars, researchers, and activists during this formative period in the discipline's development (Crocco and Davis, 1999; Frankel and Dye, 1991; Hayden, 1992). Sociology has only recently begun to acknowledge the contributions of women leaders and their organizations during the early years of the discipline (Deegan, 1978; Kandal, 1988; Smith, 1998). This paper focuses on just a few of the Progressive Reform Era women's clubs active in social reforms: Domestic Science and the Municipal Housekeeping movements. Only a few of the voices of the first generation of founding mothers are highlighted here (Clark, 1973; Gilman, 1991; Gordon, 1990; Gusfield, 1955; Hunt, 1942; Richardson, 2002; Scott, 1992). We close with an analysis of nineteenth century women's group's accomplishments, as they worked hand in hand with applied sociologists, to document the impact of poverty on inner city families.