Social Work Education and History Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Collaboration between Council on Social Work Education and National Association of Social Workers.
• Financial support from the Brown Foundation of Houston, Texas.

Historical Context of Social Work

• Ancient Civilizations: Charity ordained through religious texts and civil authorities.
• English Poor Laws (17th Century): Taxes levied to help the needy, penalized those deemed lazy.
• 19th Century Immigration: Influx of immigrants to American cities, leading to poverty, violence, and overwhelmed volunteer workers.

Jane Addams and Hull House

• Daughter of a wealthy Quaker family, inspired by Toynbee Hall in London.
• Hull House: Established in Chicago slums to uplift the poor through example and community engagement.
• Programs included kindergarten, cultural clubs, and educational classes.

Mary Richmond and Professional Casework

• Orphaned and raised in a thoughtful, politically aware household.
• Worked for Baltimore Charity Organization Society, stressed the need for systematic approaches.
• Developed professional casework; authored "Social Diagnosis," contributing to scientific social work methods.

African American Social Work

• Edward Franklin Frazier: Advocated against segregation, directed Atlanta School of Social Work.
• Fought for training African American social workers, established educational institutions.

The New Deal and Social Work

• Key Figures: Harry Hopkins, Frances Perkins, Jane Hoey.
• Harry Hopkins: Administered federal work relief, developed programs like the Works Progress Administration.
• Frances Perkins: Influenced labor laws, first female cabinet member.
• Jane Hoey: Promoted professional staffing in public welfare programs.

Post-World War II Developments

• Del Anderson: Worked with veterans for rehabilitation, integrated mind-body treatment.
• VA social workers became integral to the rehabilitation process.

Civil Rights Movement

• Whitney Young: Advocated for African American progress, led Urban League, emphasized equal opportunities.
• Worked to bring attention to racial inequality and unemployment.

War on Poverty

• Anna DuMois: Developed community health centers, advocating for patient involvement in healthcare.

Social Work Challenges and Contributions

• Social work has a legacy of promoting social change, justice, and addressing societal needs like poverty and civil rights.
• Modern challenges include income gaps and safety net erosion.
• The importance of social workers in policy-making and community empowerment remains crucial.