Lecture Notes: History of Social Work

Introduction

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

Historical Context

• Ancient Civilizations: Charity mandated through religious texts and civil authorities.
• 17th Century England: English Poor Laws - taxes levied to help needy but penalized the idle.
• 19th Century America: Immigrants flooded cities like New York and Chicago, leading to violence and overwhelmed volunteer workers.

Jane Addams and Settlement Movement

• Background: Wealthy Quaker family, educated woman breaking societal norms.
• Influence: Inspired by Toynbee Hall in London - a model of community living and service among the poor.
• Hull House: Founded in Chicago's slums by Addams and Ellen Star to uplift the poor by living among them and offering services such as kindergartens and cultural respect.

Mary Richmond and Professional Casework

• Background: Grew up in Baltimore, educated in a politically active household.
• Career: Worked with Baltimore Charity Organization Society to create a systematic approach to charity.
• Contributions: Developed professional casework and wrote "Social Diagnosis," a foundational text for scientific social work.

African American Social Work

• Segregation Challenges: African Americans faced additional barriers in social services and training.
• E. Franklin Frazier: Advocated for non-segregated education and established schools of social work at Atlanta and Howard Universities.

The New Deal and Social Work

• Key Figures:
  • Frances Perkins: Secretary of Labor, first female cabinet member.
  • Jane Hoey: Director of the Federal Bureau of Public Assistance, advocating for professional standards.
  • Harry Hopkins: Key figure in New Deal relief efforts, focused on short-term relief and employment.
• Achievements: Social Security Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, expansion of professional social work in government.

Post-WWII and Veterans

• Veterans Administration: Focused on rehabilitation and reintegration, linking physical and mental health services.
• Dale Anderson: Advocated for comprehensive rehabilitation for veterans, highlighting the importance of social workers in medical teams.

Civil Rights Era

• Whitney Young: Advocated for integration and equal opportunities in employment and education.
• Urban League: Expanded its role in the civil rights movement, focusing on employment and housing rights.

War on Poverty

• Community Health Centers: Initiated by Anna Du Mott and others to provide local, accessible health care.
• Social Work’s Role: Shift towards community-driven solutions and advocacy for local programs.

Conclusion

• Social Work's Continuing Challenge: Addressing income gaps, health care access, and social justice.
• Reaffirming social work as a profession dedicated to social change and justice.
• Future Directions: Increased involvement in policy-making to address disparities in income and access to services.