Question

How did the development of settlement houses affect urban American society?

Answer 1

Settlements were organized initially to be “friendly and open households,” a place where members of the privileged class could live and work as pioneers or “settlers” in poor areas of a city where social and environmental problems were great. Settlements had no set program or method of work. The idea was that university students and others would make a commitment to “reside” in the settlement house in order to “know intimately” their neighbors. The primary goal for many of the early settlement residents was to conduct sociological observation and research. For others it was the opportunity to share their education and/or Christian values as a means of helping the poor and disinherited to overcome their personal handicaps.

Answer 2

The development of settlement houses made it possible for the growth of urban American society not only in number but also in equality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Settlement Movement was a reformist social project carried out by workers who wanted to reduce the divide between rich and poor people by living near the poor ones and helping them out. These workers mostly settled in poor neighbourhoods of immigrants in order to provide services for them, such as education and health care. This caused a better urban design aimed at reducing the bridge between classes and moving forward as a society. Also, by learning more about these communities, workers promoted changes in local government in order to help the poor have a better life.