The chapter in question dwells upon various people who contributed to development of childcare. Starting from the 19th century and up to modern times, the author tells about people who decided to change some trends and the entire society to make a difference. These are stories about men and women who contributed greatly to the system of childcare. Without effort of those people, contemporary childcare system would not be as sophisticated and comprehensive as it is nowadays.
Clearly, the 19th century was the time when people started advocating child health. It is noteworthy that children of underprivileged families were the focus of activists as these children’s lives were very difficult and associated with many hazards. Rich or well-off people could afford appropriate care about their children. The struggle for a better care for children has never ended.
It is clear that individuals (not organizations) were the leading force of the process. People who cared about others noticed how harmful the neglect was for children and the future of the country. These individuals provided various information sheets, opened houses of childcare, helped families, educated parents and fought against inequality.
Some of the most striking cases are the ones associated with training and educating. Abraham Jacobi and Job Lewis Smith noticed that the rate of child mortality among underprivileged families was alarming. They started educating parents (especially mothers) telling them about the way to feed their children and care about them.
Roland Scott is also a remarkable figure. In the 1940-50s, this man tried to help African Americans and tell them about diseases and their symptoms. He tried to stand up to racism that was everywhere in the US hospitals. These three men helped those who needed most their assistance and support, the poor and minorities.
It is also quite impressive that Jane Addams and Alice Hamilton came up with an idea to arrange houses for children of working mothers. This was quite a revolutionary idea for the 19th century, as nobody cared about children of poor working women. The two activists saw the horrible environment where children without care spent their time. Now, nurseries are common and they are taken for granted. Perhaps, they existed due to activities of such people as Jane Addams and Alice Hamilton.
Margaret Heagarty and Barbara Barlow can be seen as an example of women of vision. Their ideas of the importance of parks and developed communities are also remarkable. Activists are thinking broader and this helps them make this world better.
All these examples show that individuals can and should diminish the wrongs of the society. It is essential to be attentive to other people and their needs. It is also important to see the opportunity to contribute to development of the society. For this purpose, it is essential to communicate with people and ask about their fears, desires and needs. It is important to attend different places and see the way others live.
It is also necessary to have enough commitment as sometimes a person may start working on a good incentive but soon he/she may feel frustrated because of some challenges and difficulties. In these cases, it is important to look through the chapter or recollect those who were not afraid. Those people were ready to confront the entire society and they always succeeded, as they remained focused.