The argument of this book is that it is in the nature of modernity to foster compassion. Most critics tend to think of modernity as corrosive of moral sentiments. They see clearly the way in which modernity breaks down older social bonds, but they are much less attentive to the ways in which it also builds new ones. This book offers a historically informed corrective to this common view.

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 The Sociology of Public Compassion Chapter 3 Pain and Compassion Chapter 4 Cruelty to Children Chapter 5 Democracy and Child Welfare Chapter 6 The Universalization of Compassion Chapter 7 Conclusion Chapter 8 Bibliography