HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK IN AMERICA Introduction

I. Christian Outreach and Philantrophy: The Period From 1600 - 1800

II. Great Changes: The Period From 1800 - 1900

III. The Depression and Social Reform: The Period From 1900 - 1950

IV. Changing Views: The Period From 1950 - 1998.

In general, the historical perspective presented in the paper examines the development of social work as driven by two basic engines consisting of: a) philosophical, religious, and sociopolitical notions; and b) societal changes and their effects on the poor.

I. Christian Outreach and Philantrophy: 1600 - 1800

According to Leiby (1979), in the first two centuries of the nation, social work in the United States consisted predominately of people endeavoring to lessen the burdens of the poor through direct relief and prayer. This proto form of social work was conceptually based on the biblical mandate to feed, clothe and care for the poor and organizationally based on the work in Europe of St. Francis De Sales (1576 - 1662) who developed a voluntary association of "friendly visitors" to go to the homes of the poor and see to their needs. Also, influential in shaping the "social work" of the period was the work of St. Vincent De Paul (1576 - 1669) who organized

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tics, religion or nationality; and c) the intermixing of upper classes with other classes, often forcing those of higher social positions to confront situations where such broad factors as exploitive working conditions and industrial injury were more often to blame for poverty than character flaws or lack of morals. These factors were said to lead to the development of the notion that broader and more flexible techniques were needed to fully serve the poor, and to the idea that volunteerism was insufficient and that, instead, effective visiting or social work required a cadre of workers who were trained and paid professionals. By the 1890s, empirical concepts were becoming more entrenched in social work, with many charity leaders beginning to publish studies of the effects of the economic depression as well as developing more complex social theories and notions to explain poverty. For example, Shaw-Lowell (1884), citing a study of poverty in New York as the outgrowth of unemployment, sickness and industrial accidents (as opposed to low character, indolence and intemperance) stated that: It seems often as if the charities are the insults which the rich add to the injuries they heap upon the poor. We may quite safely throw ov
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Approximate Word count = 4436
Approximate Pages = 18 (250 words per page)