What did Jane Addams mean by social housekeeping?

Jane Addams used the term "social housekeeping" to describe the essential role of women in society, particularly in the areas of social welfare and public service. She believed that women, with their natural nurturing and organizational skills, were well-suited to address societal issues such as poverty, housing, education, and healthcare.

Addams argued that social housekeeping went beyond traditional domestic duties, extending into the broader sphere of public life. She saw women as having a crucial responsibility to use their knowledge and abilities to improve the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable members of society.

As a progressive reformer and founder of Hull-House, a renowned settlement house in Chicago, Addams practiced social housekeeping by establishing various programs and services that addressed social problems in her community. These included childcare centers, educational classes, job training programs, and healthcare clinics.

The concept of social housekeeping emphasized the importance of collective action and cooperation in addressing social challenges. Addams believed that women, through their involvement in social work, could transform society and create a more just and equitable world.