Maternalist reform (original) (raw)

Maternalist Reforms in the United States were experiments in public policy beginning in the late 19th and early 20th century that took the form of laws providing for state assistance to mothers with young children lacking the financial support of a male member of the household. This assistance took the form of financial reimbursements, as well as limits on the maximum working hours for women. These reforms arose from the belief that government has an obligation and interest in protecting and improving the living standards of women and children.