Published in 1902, Democracy and Social Ethics is Addams' first book. Originally a course of lectures delivered at “various colleges and extension centres” most of its contents were likely composed at the Hull House (Prefatory Note, 4). This book offers the reader an accessible language for explaining the relationship between ethics and democracy. Rather than define democracy as a political system, Addams defines it as a lifestyle, and a practice of ethics. Addams, a radical pragmatist, illustrates the necessity of this definition through her experiences with a variety of characters and events at Hull House.

Reception of Democracy and Social Ethics

One of the chapters of the book was initially printed in 1899 in Outlook. Editors of this excerpt from the chapter “Charitable Effort” positively note that,“What she says is as full of originality as long experience and keen insight could possibly make it; and we reprint a few passages in the hope that they may lead to a still wider reading of her extremely readable article.--The Editors” (Emphasis added, Charity Visitor's Perplexities). Similar to the editors' viewpoint in Outlook, reviews of the text were mostly favorable, with particular emphasis on the persuasive power of her writing style and use of compelling examples. For instance, one reviewer states “The book should be read, and it is a book written in such a fresh and vigorous style, with so many brilliant observations introduced, as it were, in her parentheses, that it will be read, by both women and men” (Miss Addams' “Social Ethics”). However, Addams was sometimes criticized for being too radical or idealist. For example, a Christian press gave the book compassionate, but slightly cautionary praise. “As a sign of the trend of democracy the whole book is suggestive and hopeful. Its recommendations may be startling to our conservative minds, but they are doubtless in line with the present social movement, and they are of such importance as to demand thoughtful, patient, and open-minded consideration” (Literature of the Day). The reporter of this article goes further to state that, “Miss Addams, naturally, in her desire to exalt the claim of social morality, underestimates the individual” (Literature of the Day). Indeed, Democracy and Social Ethics offers readers a program for socializing cultural groups to live harmoniously with one another during rapid technological change. Although this book was written during the progressive era, contemporary readers may find themselves identifying with many of the familial, racial, gender, and class conflicts explored throughout this text.

Sources

"The Charity Visitor's Perplexities." Outlook 11 Mar. 1899: 598. ProQuest Historical Newspapers. Web. 8 Dec. 2010.

"Literature of the Day." Congregationalist and Christian World 7 June 1902: 831. ProQuest Historical Newspapers. Web. 7 Dec. 2010.

"Miss Addams's "Social Ethics"" Outlook 24 May 1902. ProQuest Historical Newspapers. Web. 7 Dec. 2010.