What was Dorothea Dix’s primary focus in her reform efforts?

Dorothea Dix's primary focus in her reform efforts was on the care for the mentally ill. She became a prominent advocate for mental health reform during the 19th century, bringing attention to the inhumane conditions faced by individuals with mental health issues in asylums and prisons. Through her extensive lobbying and investigative work, Dix was instrumental in establishing more humane treatment and facilities for the mentally ill.

Her dedication led to the expansion and improvement of mental health institutions across the United States, where she sought to ensure that those suffering from mental illness received compassionate care rather than being subjected to harsh and degrading treatment. Dix’s efforts were foundational in changing societal perceptions of mental illness and laid the groundwork for the modern mental health movement.

The other options, while important social issues, do not reflect her primary focus. Dix is primarily remembered for her contributions to mental health reforms rather than in education, the abolition movement, or women's rights specifically.