The History of Merit Badges: A Cultural History of the United States
The Evolution of Scouting
Over the last century, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have encouraged countless young people to be prepared for the challenges of life. At first glance, these organizations may seem old-fashioned, with their emphasis on traditional skills like camping and woodworking. However, a closer look at the merit badges awarded by these groups reveals a fascinating history of American childhood and the changing values of society.
Merit Badges as a Reflection of American Culture
The ever-changing roster of merit badges offered by the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts provides a unique window into what it has meant for girls and boys to “be prepared” throughout history. These badges reflect the major events and technological advancements that have shaped American society, from the introduction of the automobile to the dawn of the Space Age and the rise of the internet.
Early Merit Badges
In 1911, the Boy Scouts introduced the first merit badges, including one in automobiling, a skill that was becoming increasingly important as cars became more widespread. The Girl Scouts followed suit in 1912, offering a badge in Civics to prepare girls for the upcoming vote. After the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, this badge was renamed the Citizen badge.
World War II and the Cold War
During World War II, the Boy Scouts went all in on aviation, even introducing the spinoff Air Scouts. The Girl Scouts, meanwhile, began fostering friendships around the globe with their World Knowledge badge. In the postwar era, the Boy Scouts continued to emphasize science and technology, introducing badges in Atomic Energy and Airplane Design.
The Rise of Television and the Space Age
The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of television and the Space Age, which were reflected in the new merit badges offered by both organizations. The Girl Scouts introduced a Radio & Television badge, while the Boy Scouts added a Space Science Investigator badge.
Modern Merit Badges
In recent decades, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have continued to adapt their merit badge offerings to reflect the changing needs of society. The Boy Scouts have introduced badges in Handicap Awareness and Crime Prevention, while the Girl Scouts have focused on STEM education with the introduction of 24 new badges in topics such as cybersecurity and robotics.
The Enrollment of Girls in the Boy Scouts
In 2019, the Boy Scouts announced that they would begin enrolling girls in their ranks. This historic decision reflects the changing attitudes towards gender roles in society and the increasing demand for STEM education for girls.
STEM Badges and the Future of Scouting
The Girl Scouts’ emphasis on STEM education is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects the growing importance of these fields in the 21st-century economy. By offering badges in STEM subjects, the Girl Scouts are helping to prepare girls for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Conclusion
The history of merit badges is a fascinating reflection of the changing values and technological advancements that have shaped American society over the last century. From the early days of automobiling and aviation to the modern era of STEM education and the enrollment of girls in the Boy Scouts, these badges provide a unique window into the evolution of American childhood and the enduring legacy of the scouting movement.
