American Misfits and the Making of Middle-Class Respectability

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The construction of American respectability has often involved disparaging those who fail to conform to societal norms. The journey toward middle-class respectability in nineteenth-century America is frequently framed as a process of instilling positive values like honesty, hard work, and cultural refinement. However, it also involved a negative aspect, where clergy, educators, and community leaders defined respectability by targeting "misfits" who deviated from accepted standards. Robert Wuthnow explores this dynamic, arguing that respectability is shaped by "othering" individuals and groups that do not fit into socially approved categories. Through a detailed examination of various marginalized figures, he highlights the stories of a disabled Civil War veteran, a woman raising her family while her husband was institutionalized, an immigrant community accused of sedition, and a wealthy individual charged with profiteering. These misfits, often overlooked in narratives of national success, played a crucial role in the cultural fabric of America. Their experiences shed light on the ongoing practice of "othering" that continues to influence American culture and politics today.