The Dangerous Classes of New York, and Twenty Years' Work Among Them (eBook)

Charles Loring Brace (1826-1890) was an influential American philanthropist and social reformer, best known for his work with the impoverished and marginalized populations of New York City in the mid-19th century. Brace founded the Children's Aid Society in 1853 with the aim of assisting homeless and orphaned children by providing them with educational opportunities, trade apprenticeships, and the chance for new lives outside the city and often in rural areas, in a movement that would later be recognized as the Orphan Train Movement. His seminal work, 'The Dangerous Classes of New York, and Twenty Years' Work Among Them' (1872), provides a detailed account of his experiences and strategies in working with these neglected groups. In it, Brace addresses the social conditions and systemic challenges faced by the urban poor, providing a compelling argument for the reform of child welfare practices. Brace's influential approach to philanthropy emphasized a combination of personal responsibility and societal support, prefiguring modern social work practices. His literary contributions not only preserve a historical account of New York's underclass but also serve as a crucial commentary on social justice and policy reform, which has earned him a respected place in the annals of American social history.