Does the Shoe Fit: Welfare Capitalism and Paternalism at Endicott Johnson Shoe Corporation

Author: Margalit Frank

Field of Study: Arts and Humanities

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Will Glovinksy

Easel: 23

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: The Endicott Johnson Shoe Factory (EJ) was one of the most prominent shoe producers in the world between the 1890s and the 1950s. However, EJ was better known for their paternalistic approach to business than their shoes. Corporate paternalism in this case could be classified as a company town, one where amenities such as parks and schools or housing are provided by the company. While the company did provide an abundance of amenities to workers and their families such as healthcare, public parks, and housing, in return it expected loyalty to the company, faith in managers, and avoidance of union organizers. Was this enlightened capitalism or a paternalistic employer trapping workers in a company town? Using local news records, speeches, and oral histories by workers of the company, this paper contributes to an ongoing conversation surrounding corporate paternalism and the possibility of exploitation in welfare capitalism.