The physician of Packingtown: the life and impact of Dr Caroline Hedger

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the instrumental role of physician Caroline Hedger during the first half of the twentieth century, with her emphasis on worker health, which influenced American society and helped to improve working and living conditions of people across the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on archival newspaper clippings, original journal articles and books written by the subject, historical manuscripts and other labor history resources, this manuscript pulls together information on this topic in a unique way to give a broad view of the impact of Hedger and her important role not only for the city of Chicago, but the nation as a whole.

Findings

This research concludes that Hedger was an instrumental force and tireless advocate for the improvement of public health and social change. She was a constant driver for the creation of better living and working conditions of poor laborers, especially immigrants and women, desired the enhancement of child welfare, and was also helpful in supporting the labor movement and educating those involved in the process.

Originality/value

This is the first manuscript to explore the role played by Caroline Hedger in relation to her impact on the importance of the health of workers and their families. Her story is a testament to the powerful effect of a single person in a dynamic world, and demonstrates how understanding a worker's health contributes to greater insights about management history.

Citation

D. McLarty, B. and A. Rosen, P. (2014), "The physician of Packingtown: the life and impact of Dr Caroline Hedger", Journal of Management History, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 62-80. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-02-2012-0012