Who emphasized the moral degradation in poverty and argued for supervision of the poor?

The emphasis on the moral degradation associated with poverty and the argument for the supervision of the poor is closely tied to the American Charity Organization Movement. This movement emerged in the late 19th century and focused on the systematic organization of charity work. Advocates believed that charitable aid should be carefully administered and directed toward individuals deemed "worthy" of assistance. They argued that poverty was not only a social issue but also a moral one, implying that those living in poverty were failing to uphold societal values.

This belief led to the establishment of “friendly visiting,” where middle-class volunteers would visit the homes of the poor to offer moral guidance and financial assistance, emphasizing the need for supervision or oversight to encourage self-sufficiency and moral rectitude among the poor. The movement's focus on personal character and moral standing underscores its strong belief in the need for oversight of those receiving aid.

In contrast, the Progressives aimed more broadly at social reform, the Social Gospel Movement focused on applying Christian ethics to social problems, and eugenicists were primarily concerned with genetics and public health rather than poverty per se. These distinctions clarify why the American Charity Organization Movement is the most relevant choice regarding the emphasis on moral degradation in poverty alongside the call for supervision.