Linoleum, better babies & the modern farm woman, 1890-1930
By: Marilyn Irvin Holt.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
Published: 1995
Place of publication: Albuquerque
Language: eng
Number of pages: 250
Subjects: Rural women -- United States.; Rural women -- Education -- United States.; Home economics -- United States.; United States -- Social conditions -- 1865-1918.; United States -- Social conditions -- 1918-1932.; United States -- Economic conditions -- 1865-1918.; United States -- Economic conditions -- 1918-1945.
Other titles: Linoleum, better babies and the modern farm woman, 1890-1930
Description: The Progressive Era promoted a vision of America united by an emphasis on science and progressive reform. The zeal to modernize business, government and social relations extended to farm families and the ways women defined their roles.

In this study of the expert advice offered by the domestic economy movement, Holt argues that women were not passive receptors of these views. Seeing their place in agriculture as multi-faceted and important, they eagerly accepted improved education and many modern appliances but often rejected suggestions conflicting with their own views of the rewards and values of farm life.

Progressive reform inevitably left a mixed legacy; science and technology did not perfect rural society. But many programs such as 4-H and Master Homemaker still exist and are still shaped by women's desire to preserve and pass on the possibilities of rural life. Anyone seeking a better understanding of the role of women in agriculture will find this a rewarding book.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 233-240) and index.
Table of contents: title: The farm scene; title: A life of domestic economy; title: A need for organization; title: Better babies and rural health; title: "I wouldn't leave the farm, girls"; title: When the best is better; title: Conclusion.