Posted: March 11th, 2024

Social History Issue Paper

Overview:
Social History Issue Paper
Using one secondary source and one primary source you will write a polished introduction to a major American social issue from the mid-19th to the mid- 20th century (1850-1960). The topic is not required to directly relate to dress though it should be a topic that provides context for a discussion of how, when, and/or why people dressed. A list of possible issues is included at the end of this brief. Imagine that this an excerpt from a larger historical study of a specific dress style or object, where it is used to offer historical context for that object or style.
Objective (for the reader):
By reading this paper, the reader wants to get a quick, factual and engaging overview of a major social issue during the period chosen. He or she wants to get the basic idea, so that they are prepared to understand the deeper historical interpretations the author will offer later as they relate it to a style and/or type of dress or dress behaviors. The reader should not encounter any of the writer’s personal opinions about the issue.
A note on topics: Many of the topics listed are significant in many different eras. For some social issues it may be necessary to select a specific era or time period within which to explore your topic. For instance, if you are interested in women in the workplace, this issue was evident in different ways throughout the late 19th and into the mid 20th century. That is a lot of territory to cover when searching for sources. But, if you narrow it to women working during WWI or WWII or women office workers or factory workers at the turn of the 20th century it will help focus your search and make it more efficient. If you need help with narrowing your issue please contact the instructor for help.
Objective (for the writer):
By writing this paper, the writer hopes to exercise 2 main skills that will be useful when completing the term paper, 1) locating primary and secondary sources for scholarly research, and 2) distilling historical information into a user- friendly summary. However, the social issue selected does not necessarily need to relate to your final term paper topic.
Length and format: Paper will be 600-650 words in length (approx. 2 to 3 pages), double-spaced, 10- or 12-point font, 1-inch margins.
References:
You must include and cite:
• one secondary source (a scholarly book or article published in the last 25 years). The secondary source may not be a textbook or assigned reading.
• one textual primary source (something written between 1850 and 1960, of any genre, e.g. literature, newspaper or magazine article, advertisement, song lyrics).
Citations:
APA citation style should be used. To ensure that I can see where you obtained your information it is important to provide author, date, title, and page numbers. Citations and a reference list must be used for all paraphrased information and for all direct quotes. Failure is considered plagiarism.
A note on process: Once you have narrowed your topic down you will need to consult many sources (both primary and secondary) to find a good fit for the requirements. A good place to start is using the primary and secondary sources and various archives and databases linked in the course resource page on Canvas. You will need to think about whether fashion magazines or general magazines or newspapers are better places to look based on the issue you choose. Lorna Dawes, TMFD Subject Librarian can also help with figuring out where to look for sources as can I.
Lists of possible social history issues (this is not everything possible and if you scan through old issues of any periodical you may find another issue you would like to focus on):
Women in the workplace
Adolescence/Teenagers as a distinct life stage/market
College “girls”
Film/Movie Theaters
Suburban LivingJazz
Rock n’ Roll
Women in athletics/sports
Hollywood glamour/star system Conscription
Industrial arts
Art Nouveau

Prohibition
19th century Temperance Leagues
19th century abolitionists/abolition movement 19th century women’s rights movement
Social Settlements (i.e. Hull House in Chicago) Arts and Crafts movement
Public Health
Indoor plumbing
Electricity/Electrification
Photography
Modern (non-representational) Art (early 20th century)
Aesthetic dress
Mourning rituals/dress
The Red Cross and nursing profession
Radio
Westward expansion/Manifest Destiny
The Homestead Act
Native American lands/reservation system Indian (Native American) Residential schools The League of Nations
The United Nations
The Marshall Act
Berlin Airlift
Korean War
Dating

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