Bella Moskowitz rejected permissive social-work doctrine

Evidence

Once Bella got involved in a project, no task was too small for her. Camp counselors saw the slim little matron inspecting the grounds hour after hour. When the inspections disclosed flaws, she was not bashful in bringing them to people’s attention. “We had been taught that in social work you should be somewhat permissive,” recalls one of the workers. “She wasn’t that kind of person. If she saw that the kids weren’t cleaning up the bunks properly, she’d say, ‘Now get busy! Get that bunk cleaned up!’ If she came back and it still wasn’t clean, she’d say, ‘Didn’t I tell you to clean it up?’ ” And if her hints didn’t bring results, she had more direct methods. If a floor remained unswept too long, she’d grab a broom and sweep it herself. Beds were supposed to be made before breakfast, but one bunk never seemed to get them done in time. One morning, Bella said shortly, “I’ll make them for you”—and did, all ten of them. — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker, 142

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to my interest in how reform movements disciplined poor communities — same territory as the French civilizing mission readings and the moral-training angle of Along the Archival Grain.