Question

What was a central principle of “maternalism,” a term coined by recent historians to refer to the Progressive-era justification for women’s programs?

Answer 1

Answer: Society needed to protect motherhood for the good of the nation.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the Progressive Era (1890 - 1920) social activism and political reform spread over the United States, developing reforms aimed to face social difficulties related to the industrialization process. Maternalist politics demanded women’s programs focused on problems women faced as wives and mothers, stating women them selves were the best to provide solutions. Furthermore, maternalists stressed the importance of poor women and their children to grow support for the early welfare state.