"This scholarly and engaging volume shows us where social work has come from, and so helps us understand and shape its future. The author has a gift for making the profession's complex history accessible, whilst respecting its intricacy. The result is an illuminating 'tour de force' – a book that gives perspective and hope." Suzy Braye, Professor of Social Work, University of Sussex, UK "Pierson’s richly documented overview of social work’s evolution in Britain promises to support coming generations of social workers in learning from their field’s responses to changing issues and ideas on assistance for those in need." J. Lee Kreader, Interim Director, National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, USA This introductory textbook provides a concise account of the development of social work in Britain, from its beginnings in the industrial revolution to the present day. The book seeks to recover overlooked experiences and important but forgotten debates, whilst re-examining the concepts and approaches developed by chief architects of the profession. The book has several unique features designed to help students both understand the development of social work and to form their own judgements on the issues it raises: Timelines that mark important practice and policy developments Discussion points that pose questions for readers to think through First hand testimony and excerpts from case records showing the viewpoints, perspectives and decisions of social workers in earlier decades Documentary material that encourages students to critically reflect on the present in light of the past Understanding Social Work is written with the student and educator in mind, in a style and format that makes the history of social work approachable, relevant, and profound. The view of history embodied here is of a continuously unfolding, many-sided phenomenon that offers a rich source of ethical insight, practical experience and moral guidance.

This book offers a wide-ranging view of religious, economic and political forces from prehistory, the Clinton administration, and the actions of the 104th Congress. This revised study reviews the history of social welfare in the USA, including that relating to women and minority groups. This edition emphasizes particularly the political and economic aspects of a global-international society. It also features a up-to-date critical analysis of the far-right backlash against social welfare and social programmes, through the US 104th Congress.

An expert introduction to the foundations of the social work profession—from its historical roots to its evolution in an era of evidence-based practice The Profession of Social Work provides a broad overview of the history, scope, values, ethics, and organizational framework of the social work profession. Exploring professional ethics and human rights, evidence-based practice and practice-guided research, as well as emerging trends and issues, this important book presents topics of critical importance to anyone considering a career in social work. Each chapter in the text offers an array of pedagogical features, including Key Terms, Review Questions for Critical Thinking, and Online Resources. Ideal for introductory courses for both undergraduate and graduate students, The Profession of Social Work features coverage closely aligned with social work accreditation standards (EPAS) and includes chapters authored by established scholars on topics including: Social work history Social work education Professional credentialing and regulations Values and ethics The strengths perspective in social work practice Evidence-based practice and improving the scientific base for social work practice Contemporary issues in social work With a wealth of insider insights into and guidance on the profession of social work, this book is essential reading to prepare for a career in this field.

Looks at the evolution of social welfare from early human history to the present day. The text demonstrates the institution's social control elements as well as those intended to help the disadvantaged. Upon completing this book, readers will understand the history of social welfare and the evolution of conflicting social values, and see how historical trends, problems and programs relate to current social welfare issues.

Social work and social policy in the United States have always had a complex and troubled relationship. In The Altruistic Imagination, John H. Ehrenreich offers a critical interpretation of their intertwined histories, seeking to understand the problems that face these two vital institutions in American society.Ehrenreich demonstrates that the emphasis of social work has always vacillated between individual treatment and social reform. Tracing this ever-changing focus from the Progressive Era, through the development of the welfare state, the New Deal, and the affluent 1950s and 1960s, into the administration of Ronald Reagan, he places the evolution of social work in the context of political, cultural, and ideological trends, noting the paradoxes inherent in the attempt to provide essential services and reflect at the same time the intentions of the state. He concludes by examining the turning point faced by the social work profession in the 1980s, indicated by a return to casework and a withdrawal from social policy concerns.

This book provides an overview of the main developments in social work over its 200-year history. From its beginnings in the early 19th century through to the present day, it recounts the efforts to create a fairer, socially just society through its work with individuals and families. Throughout, by focusing on individual cases as well as major ideas behind practice, this book invites the reader to step into the practitioner's world as it unfolded. Providing a fresh, critical history of social work in Britain, the book covers the practical assistance for families and individuals in poverty in the 19th century; women's social work with destitute mothers and children; social work's response to war time needs; the development of specific domains of social work such as hospital social work, psychiatric social workers, moral welfare and children in care; tackling racism; and social work in a market society. The reader encounters the society that social workers and their users wrote about, thought about and sought to create. Covering critical points of dispute along with overarching visions that would take the profession - and society - forward, the book explores the ideologies, moral constructs and social forces that shaped everyday social work. A New History of Social Work will be of interest to all scholars and students of social work and will be particularly relevant for modules on introductions to social work and the foundations of social work.

Vividly portraying the personal and professional lives of social work luminaries from the 19th to the present century, this text links their groundbreaking contributions in social work to current CSWE core competencies. The book focuses on leaders who shaped the field across modern American history -- the Progressive Era, the Great Society, the New Deal, the Postwar period, and others--and examines their lives in the context of the social and historical environment, their contributions to social work, and lessons from their experiences that are still relevant to social work today. Through detailed, engaging life stories and photographs, readers--including undergraduates, graduate students, and practicing social workers--will learn about the profession's rich history rooted in charitable work, "friendly visitors," and social justice advocacy. The book also touches upon the contributions of early social work pioneers as well as those leading us forward in the 21st century. The book will provide important historical groundwork for classes in social welfare policy, introduction to social work, and social work history courses. Chapters include discussion questions and activities to facilitate professional growth and personal development. A robust instructor package offers PowerPoint slides and a sample syllabus. Key Features: Delivers vivid, detailed accounts of leading figures in social work history Presents lessons directly applicable to social work today Dovetails with CSWE's 2015 EPAS Competencies Incorporates discussion questions and activities encouraging professional growth and personal reflection Includes PowerPoint slides and sample syllabus