History of Social Work

Introduction to Social Work History

• Social Work is a relatively young profession.
• Its history is rooted in social welfare activities and policies.
• Social workers address societal needs and promote community well-being.

Social Welfare System

• Integral to social work, addressing society's needs.
• Social welfare policies emerge out of necessity.
• Policies and programs act as a safety net.

Means-Tested Programs

• Financial eligibility is assessed to determine aid.
• Programs like SNAP, TANF are means-tested.

Political Views on Social Welfare

• Conservative vs. liberal ideologies.
• Conservatives focus on personal responsibility; liberals advocate for a robust safety net.

Social Control and Justice

• Some programs exert social control, potentially oppressive.
• Important to promote social justice and combat discrimination.

Approaches to Social Welfare

Institutional Approach

• Preventative and proactive, available to everyone.
• Examples: Social Security, public education.

Residual Approach

• Reactive, for those who have failed other support systems.
• Examples: TANF, SNAP.

Developmental Approach

• Focus on economic growth and infrastructure development.
• Example: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, New Deal programs.

Early Social Welfare and Social Work

Elizabethan Poor Laws

• Early American colonies adopted these from England.
• Distinguished between deserving and non-deserving poor.
• Types of relief: outdoor (aid delivered to homes), indoor (Alms houses, workhouses).

1800s Developments

• Orphan trains: relocation of orphans to the Midwest.
• Freedmen’s Bureau: first social welfare agency post-Civil War.
• Advocacy for mental health by Dorothea Dix.

Progressive Era

• Most crucial period for social work development.
• Movement away from blaming individuals to acknowledging structural issues.
• NAACP, National Urban League, and other organizations established.
• Women gained the right to vote, child labor address, and sanitation improvements.

Settlement House Movement

• Led by Jane Addams, promoting community advocacy.
• Focused on macro-practice and community action.

Charity Organization Societies

• Led by Mary Richmond, focused on social work practice methodologies.
• Emergence of "friendly visitors" aiding families.

The Great Depression and New Deal

• Stock market crash led to new federal initiatives.
• New Deal programs like WPA and Social Security Act of 1935.
• Focus on work relief and financial assistance.

World War II Era

• Almost full employment due to war efforts.
• GI Bill for veteran education.
• End of school segregation (Brown vs. Board of Education).
• NASW established.

Civil Rights Movement and War on Poverty

• 1960-67: Focus on ending poverty coincided with Civil Rights Movement.
• Establishment of Medicare, Medicaid, and social welfare programs.
• Social workers involved in advocacy and civil rights.

1980s Conservatism

• Reaganomics and trickle-down economics.
• Redefinition of worthy and unworthy poor.

21st Century Developments

• Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump eras covered.
• Issues like Affordable Care Act and divisive politics.
• COVID-19's impact on economy and employment.

Conclusion

• Importance of research before implementing policies.
• Address root causes of issues rather than superficial solutions.
• Advocacy and peaceful efforts crucial for achieving social justice.