Clean Living Movements: American Cycles of Health Reform

Clean Living Movements: American Cy cles of Health Reform. Ruth Clifford Engs. 2000. 312 pp. ISBN 0275959945 (hard). O

Contrary to the view that health reform is a slow, steady process, health promotion campaigns tend to occur in cycles, says this author. Reformist zeal is followed by some progress, only to be met with backlash, then apathy, then renewed interest in change.

"Clean Living Movements have been broad periods in history when concerns about alcohol, tobacco, other mood-altering substances, sexuality, diet, physical fitness, diseases, and other health-related issues have manifested themselves on multiple fronts." Tracing the 3 most recent movements, those beginning in 1830, 1880, and 1970, the author posits that they share...