A New Conscience and an Ancient Evil

Bol Partner

Assesses the vulnerability of the rural and immigrant working-class girls who moved to Chicago and fell prey to the sexual bartering of what was known as the white slave trade. The author offers accounts - drawn from the records of Chicago's Juvenile Protection Association - of young women coerced into lives of prostitution by men. Published in 1912 on the heels of Twenty Years at Hull-House and at the height of Jane Addams's popularity, A New Conscience and an Ancient Evil assesses the vulnerability of the rural and immigrant working-class girls who moved to Chicago and fell prey to the sexual bartering of what was known as the white slave trade. Addams offers lurid accounts–-drawn from the records of Chicago's Juvenile Protection Association–-of young women coerced into lives of prostitution by men who lurked outside hotels and sweatshops. Because they lacked funds for proper recreation, Addams argues, poor and socially marginalized women were susceptible to sexual slavery, and without radical social change they would perhaps be "almost as free" as young men. In addition to promoting higher wages and better living conditions, Addams suggests that a longer period of public education for young women would deter them from the dangers of city life. Despite its appeal to middle–class readers eager for tales of sexual excess and the rape of innocence, the press and prominent intellectuals criticized A New Conscience and an Ancient Evil for being disproportionately hysterical to its philosophical weight. Katherine Joslin's introduction considers the controversial reactions to the book and the circumstances of its publication. Behind the sensationalism of the narratives, Joslin locates themes including the commodification of sex and the importance of marriage for young women.

Bol

A New Conscience and an Ancient Evil by Jane Addams is a thought-provoking exploration of social justice, particularly focusing on the issues of prostitution and women’s rights in early 20th-century America. As a prominent social reformer and co-founder of Hull House, Addams uses her platform to examine the systemic inequalities that lead women into the sex trade and the societal attitudes that perpetuate their exploitation. The book blends personal narrative, sociological research, and philosophical reflection, making a compelling case for a new moral consciousness that prioritizes compassion and understanding over judgment.Addams critiques the prevailing social norms that often criminalize women while exonerating men, highlighting the need for a more humane and equitable approach to societal issues. She emphasizes the importance of community responsibility in addressing the root causes of prostitution, advocating for education, economic opportunities, and social reform to empower women. Throughout the text, Addams calls for a collective shift in conscience that recognizes the dignity of every individual and seeks to address the systemic factors contributing to social injustices.