Emily Greene Balch

Emily Greene Balch (1867-1961) was an American economist, sociologist, and peace activist. She was born on January 8, 1867, in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, USA, and she passed away on January 9, 1961, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Some key points about Emily Greene Balch:

1. Academic Career: Emily Greene Balch was a distinguished academic and educator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1889 and later completed her Ph.D. in economics at the University of Chicago in 1896.
2. Social Work: Balch was actively involved in social work and served as a settlement worker in Chicago and Boston. She was committed to addressing issues of social inequality and improving the conditions of marginalized communities.
3. Economics and Sociology: Balch was a professor of economics and sociology at Wellesley College from 1896 to 1918. She was respected for her scholarship and teaching in these fields.
4. Peace Activism: Emily Greene Balch is best known for her lifelong dedication to the peace movement. She became involved in peace activism during World War I and later played a prominent role in the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).
5. Nobel Peace Prize: In 1946, Emily Greene Balch was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with John Mott for their efforts in promoting peace and working towards international reconciliation.
6. Opposition to War: Balch was a vocal critic of war and militarism and advocated for nonviolent conflict resolution. She worked tirelessly to promote disarmament and to prevent future conflicts.
7. Opposition to World War II: During World War II, Balch’s pacifist views led to controversy, and she was dismissed from her teaching position at Wellesley College due to her public opposition to the war.
8. Legacy: Emily Greene Balch’s legacy continues to inspire peace activists and scholars around the world. Her commitment to social justice and nonviolent solutions to conflicts remains a significant influence in the peace movement.

Emily Greene Balch’s contributions to academia, social work, and the peace movement are celebrated and remembered. Her dedication to promoting peace and addressing social injustices serves as an example of the impact an individual can make in advancing the cause of peace and social change.