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The ecofeminist pragmatism of Caroline Bartlett Crane, 1896–1935

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Abstract

Many early sociologists, particularly in Chicago and both inside and outside of the academy, focused on the relation between human society, social justice, and the natural environment. Caroline Bartlett Crane (1858-1935), applied sociologist and noted Progressive Era reformer, was an eminent figure in this work. She linked healthy individuals and social justice to a robust and balanced environment. In addition to her national leadership in municipal sanitation, Crane labored to protect the natural environment from the rapid degradation caused by increased industrialization, population growth, and changes in land use and exploitation during the Progressive Era. As one of the forerunners of the ecology and ecofeminism movements of today, Crane is part of women’s hidden heritage and her life exemplifies the theory of “ecofeminist pragmatism.”

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Rynbrandt, L.J., Deegan, M.J. The ecofeminist pragmatism of Caroline Bartlett Crane, 1896–1935. Am Soc 33, 58–68 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12108-002-1011-5

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