 Meliorism is a hallmark of pragmatist philosophy, which we can see in Addams’ work with a more radical character than among other American pragmatists. If “radical” is defined as challenging existing power structures, Jane Addams was the least elitist and the most radical of the American philosophers of her era. Addams consistently took and eloquently supported inclusive positions that sought the benefit of society. While pragmatists typically advocated for social progress, Addams radicalized the extent of that social progress. Rather than defining progress by the best and brightest achievements, Addams advocates the betterment of all in what she calls “lateral progress.” For Addams, lateral progress meant that social advancement could not be declared through the breakthroughs or peak performances of a few but could only authentically be found in social gains held in common. Addams employs metaphor to explain the concept: