The women of Hull House
Subtitle: a study in spirituality, vocation, and friendship
By: Eleanor J. Stebner.
Publisher: State University of New York Press; State Univ of New York Pr
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Albany, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 246
Subjects: Addams, Jane, 1860-1935; Hull House (Chicago, Ill.) -- History; Social settlements -- Illinois -- Chicago -- History; Women social reformers -- Illinois -- Chicago -- Biography; Women social workers -- Illinois -- Chicago -- Biography
Other titles: Hull House
Description: This group biography explores the lives, work, and personal relations of nine white, middle and upper-middle-class women who were involved in the first decade of Chicago's premier social settlement. This "galaxy of stars" - as they were called in their own day - were active in innumerable political, social, and religious reform efforts.

The Women of Hull House refutes the humanistic interpretation of the social settlement movement. Its spiritual base is highlighted as the author describes it as the practical/ethical side of the social gospel movement and as an attempt to transform late nineteenth-century evangelical and doctrinal Christian religion. While the women of Hull House differed from one another in their theological beliefs and were often critical of orthodox Christianity, they were motivated by Christian ideals.

By showing the interconnections of spirituality, vocation, and friendship, the author argues that individual actions for social changes must take place within communities which provide a level of uniting vision yet allow for diverse actions and viewpoints.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-238) and index.