“A must-read for anyone interested in how we might leverage our positionality and power to spark, scale, and sustain social change. Whipps’ meticulously documents how relational social change methods can cultivate significant social, political, and judicial changes. Feminist Pragmatism and Social Rights exposes readers to a diverse group of historic feminist pragmatist change-makers, highlighting the strategies they employed, the challenges they confronted, and the networks of relationships they cultivated.”

Danielle Lake, Elon University

“For people like me—and my Gen-Z students—who are often overwhelmed by the intractable challenges facing the nation, this book is a source of inspiration and empowerment. Whipps highlights the stories of early to mid-twentieth century women reformers whose assiduous efforts transformed politics and culture, paving the way for many of the social rights we continue to enjoy today, from social security and child labor laws to the 40-hour work week. These narratives provide an orientation to feminist pragmatism, the philosophy undergirding the legislative and judicial activism of these figures. This neglected, complex history highlights how social change can be enacted through experimentation, pluralism, and the leveraging of collective power. Historically grounded yet future-oriented, this book is a timely and compelling reminder to protect our social rights and to continue to press onward.”

Tess Varner, Concordia College

“Feminist Pragmatism and Social Rights offers a compelling historical and philosophical account of the deeply embedded work of the early feminist pragmatists, charting the challenges and triumphs these women faced in shifting U.S. culture and politics from a focus on individual rights to a broader commitment to social rights. Whipps tells the story of how these women transformed the lived experience of their time and initiated lasting social justice reforms that resonate today. More than a historical account, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring legacy of feminist pragmatism, to position this understanding within a historically embedded and relational context, and to understand how the work of these early feminist pragmatists remain relevant in our society today.”

Barbara J. Lowe, St. John Fisher University