The Meriam-Webster Dictionary defines pragmatism as: dealing with problems that exist in a specific situation in a reasonable and logical manner instead of depending on ideas and theories. We can therefore assume that a pragmatist is someone who is guided by observation and practical experience rather than by theory or ideology. Pragmatic people are sometimes considered stubborn, but for the most part the term is used in a positive way and refers to practical people and sensible thinking. Calling someone pragmatic is generally considered a compliment. A period of social activism developed in the United States between the 1890s and 1920s has been called the Progressive Era. The main goal was to purify the government, eliminate corruption and expose political leaders. Most progressives supported prohibition. Women's right to vote was promoted and the female vote was defined as a vote for purity. Sectors were identified that needed to be modernized, and specifically focused on making America a better place to live. City, state, and federal governments worked together to improve living conditions for the huge immigrant population. Many progressives were concerned about environmental and conservation topics. Progressives hoped to make this country a more democratic place and worked on electoral reforms. George Mead is recognized for his work in two important areas of sociology. One concerns his theories and philosophies on pragmatism and social behaviorism. Mead argues that the pragmatist will examine reality and theorize that the real world "out there" does not really exist. According to Mead, pragmatists believe that reality is created by the way people act and by their attitudes toward the world. ...... middle of paper ...... others are recognized. Pragmatists, both men and women, are also considered humanists and see a society capable of improving itself through action. Classical and contemporary pragmatists, men and women, are more interested in knowledge acquired through experience.ReferencesAddams, J. (1910). Twenty years at Hull-House, with autobiographical notes. New York: Macmillan. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.iep.utm.edu/fem-prag/Progressive Era. (nd). Retrieved from http://www.answers.com/topic/progressive-era#ixzz2zAwzcGgiRitzer, G. (1996). Classic sociological theory. New York: McGraw-Hill. Whipps, Judy, “Pragmatist Feminism,” The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2013 edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = .