Personal Statement on Social Control (Research Paper Sample)

Personal Statement on Social Control
Name
Course
Institution
Date of Submission
Personal Statement on Social Control
More often than not, progressives have been perceived as reformers. Despite the numerous criticisms, they supported the various reforms that were brought about by industrialization and urbanization. Nonetheless, the progressive reform differed from political reforms to large extents. They greatly influenced the lives of millions of people in America. These include various groups which had their own specific concerns such as factory workers, blacks, immigrants and women. Each of these groups was affected differently.
The workers for instance, were subjected to a wide range of hardships ranging from poor working condition to low pay. As such, America experienced a series of strikes and other industrial unrests especially during the progressive era. This attracted reformers, who advocated for productivity, efficiency and social harmony between various classes. There emerged the concept of “the dangerous classes”, which referred to the people in the lower social classes. These classes of people were perceived as having the potential to institute radical challenges to the industrial order.
Immigrants flocked America in the late 19th century towards the early 20th century. As they settled, most of them joined various local political parties which offered them the necessary support in their lives. As a result, immigrants have often been blamed for perpetrating the degradation of American democracy. This is attributed to the fact that most of the local political parties they joined were controlled by corrupt political leaders. Most native-born Americans responded by joining organized opposition. They fought to place various restrictions on the new immigrants. As a result, various laws which changed immigration policies were passed.
Blacks were also affected by the various social reforms to large extents. In the aftermath of the Reconstruction in 1877, various changes affecting the blacks were instituted. For instance, the abolition of slavery, black citizenship, and the right to vote are some of the constitutional reforms that occurred. Nonetheless, by the early twentieth century, the blacks had lost many of these privileges and rights. They were subjected to a wide range of discrimination ...