Dorothea Dix: A Social Reformer

Prior to 19th century, mental illness was viewed as a criminal act rather than an involuntary affliction, until one woman’s persistence changed the world’s perception of mental health. Dorothea Dix was an author, teacher, and reformer renowned for her strides in the improvement of treatment for the mentally insane. In her early years, she indulged her passion for learning through a career in teaching and encouraged women to pursue an education. In her later years, the hints of rebellious activism from her youth manifested into the tenacious, headstrong social reformer she is known as today. Whether it be as a teacher, reformer, or nurse, the exemplary work of Dorothea Dix has lived on long past her death, and will continue to be remembered …show more content…
She was the oldest of two siblings and the daughter of Joseph and Mary Dix. Both parents were known to suffer from alcoholism and bouts of depression, while her father was prone to violent outbursts. This unstable home environment lead Dix to seek refuge with her wealthy grandmother in Boston, Massachusetts where her blossoming interest in learning and education was strongly encouraged. Two years after moving in with her grandmother, at the young age of only 14, Dix began her career as a teacher. By 1821 she opened her first of several schools for young children in Boston where she continued to champion the belief that women should be afforded the same opportunities in pursuing an education as their male counterparts. After being plagued by tuberculosis in 1827, Dix was forced into a hiatus from her teaching career; during this period she dedicated her time to writing and publishing five novels over a period of two years. Following her recovery, the determined Dix once again threw herself into her work, however, the weight of her ambitions proved to be more than her still recovering body could bare. She fell ill again in 1831 and traveled to England for further treatment. It was here that she learned of the efforts of men such as Philippe Pinel and William Tuke, whose work with the mentally ill inspired her to become the reformist she is known for …show more content…
To these she seemed wholly devoted.” And so she was. Having never married, Dorothea Dix devoted her life to working for others. Regardless of the obstacles and hardships she endured, she never yielded in her strides to improve upon the conditions of those around her, whether through encouraging women in education or shedding light on the neglected institution of mental health care. In her lifetime, Dix visited thousands of jails and poorhouses around the world and contributed to the establishment to over 120 asylums world wide. Through Dix’s dedication and commitment to her work she was able to draw a line between the criminal and the mentally insane. This distinction only grew wider throughout the years as treatment of the mentally insane progressed from punishment to rehabilitation, care, and eventually medical attention. This distinguishment was immeasurably valuable to the future of mental health institutions across the world. The tireless efforts of Dorothea Dix will forever be hailed as one of the greatest accomplishments in social reform in American