Citation

Lenroot KF. Am. J. Sociol. 1935; 40(6): 746-754.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1935, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/216978

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The year 1933 had the lowest birth-rate yet recorded. The infant mortality rate which had shown a real decrease every year from 1928 to 1932 remained stationary in 1933. Preliminary figures indicate an increase in 1934. Evidence of deleterious effects of the depression on the health and nutrition of children accumulated, while the child health recovery program attempted to offset them by varied activities. Real gains were brought about in protection of children from premature employment under the NRA codes and various efforts were undertaken in behalf of unemployed older boys and girls. Juvenile delinquency rates decreased, but the depression affected adversely the care of dependent children, emphasizing the need for strengthening the mothers' pension systems and of transferring to the greater permanency of such a system families now on relief rolls who are eligible for such aid. The program of social security recommended by the President to Congress would do much to promote the normal health, and welfare of mothers and children.