history of social work essay

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2 The History of Social Work in the United States

“The focus for practice in a helping profession is faith in the possibilities within people, if given the right conditions for growth.”

– Social Worker Bertha Capen Reynolds (1885-1978)

A timeline of all the historical milestones

https://online.simmons.edu/blog/evolution-social-work-historical-milestones/

Progressive Movement and Social Reform

The inception of the social work profession in the United States can be traced back to the late nineteenth century beginning with charity work performed by local churches and communities hoping to meet the needs of the poor. Some of the earliest social work interventions were designed to meet basic human needs of populations and placed great value in providing support, assistance, and resources to families and communities to alleviate suffering (Nsonwu, Casey, Cook & Armendariz, 2013). This was the beginning of the progressive movement era. Many progressive-minded individuals began to speak out about social injustices during the rise of the industrial revolution. Many major cities wanted to attract business, so taxation was kept to a minimum. This left little or no money to provide social services for the poor. This lack of protections for the most vulnerable Americans caused progressives to criticize the lack of government intervention and involvement in social welfare (Flanagan, 2007).

Settlement House Movement

The settlement house movement called for a social reformation of America. The plight of the poor called many to the movement and ushered in the helping hands of early social workers (Flanagan, 2007). Stanton Coit founded the first settlement house, University Settlement, in New York City’s lower east side in 1886 after he toured settlement houses of England (Trolander, 1991). Jane Addams, an educated upper middle-class woman from Illinois, founded Hull-House in 1889 in Chicago. Hull-House was a successful settlement house located in an area that was largely populated by poor working immigrants. Residents of Hull-House were provided with multiple services including daycare and kindergarten for children, a library, art classes, adult literacy courses, music, and various other facilities (Paul, 2016). When Addams was a young woman, after she finished college, she traveled to London and visited Toynbee Hall settlement house. She was inspired to return home and start a similar organization where she could employ the same social services she observed at Toynbee Hall. Although Hull-House was not the first settlement house in America, it became the most well-known (Trolander, 1991). Jane Addams would go on to be an activist in the anti-child labor movement where she advocated for the rights of child workers. This activism would eventually assist in the passage of the Child Labor Law in 1916. In 1931 Addams would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her continued commitment to social justice and reform (Paul, 2016).

For much more on the life and work of Jane Addams, see the video link at the beginning of this section. Final note as you look forward to more recent movements in social work and social justice, it was noted in a comment for the video that “Even though Addams was willing to offer Teddy’s (Theodore Roosevelt) nomination at the Progressives Convention, she was angry about his lack of inclusion of [people of color] …and consequently was a primary fundraiser for the founding of the NAACP.”

The First Professional

Mary Richmond was born in Illinois in 1861, but she was raised by her grandmother in Baltimore Maryland after her parents died at a young age. She was raised learning about social, political, and cultural issues of the time ( Social Welfare History Project , 2011). After she graduated high school, she went to work as a bookkeeper for several years as she did not have the opportunity to attend college. She eventually applied for a position with the Charity Organization Society, (COS) in 1889. The Charity Organization Societies in several cities were the first organizations to develop a structured social work profession, providing social services to the poor, disabled, and needy. During the time Richmond was connected to the COS, she demonstrated her qualities as a leader, teacher, and practical theorist. Richmond’s ability to explain the mission and purpose of the organization as well as raise money to support the services that the organization provided, resulted in her being appointed as the first woman general secretary of the COS ( Social Welfare History Project , 2011).

Mary Richmond’s lasting impact on the field of social work comes from her commitment to ensuring families receive appropriate services. Richmond sought to fully understand the problems of the poor and worked to train her staff to assist families in a structured manner. She felt that professionalization of social service would mean that poor families would receive better treatment and therefore improve their circumstances ( Social Welfare History Project , 2011). One of Richmond’s biggest contributions to the social work profession was her book Social Diagnosis which was published in 1917. Richmond’s book focused on the practice of casework with individuals and was the first book to identify a systematic and methodological way to document and diagnose clients ( Social Welfare History Project , 2011). Richmond states in her book, when people are sick, we can cure them; when they are bad, we can try to reform them but when they are out of work there is only one effective remedy for their troubles and that is real work at real wages. (Richmond, 1922, p. 208)

The Great Depression

The practice and profession of social work was heavily involved in the Great Depression programs of the New Deal put forth by President Roosevelt (Leighninger, 2019). Mary Richmond’s model that included social reform as an essential part of social work was used by caseworkers in developing programs to assist families. Public works programs developed as part of the New Deal helped people in many ways. The earliest programs provided out of work individuals with a job and steady income (Leighninger, 2019).

Several professional social workers played vital roles in the development of New Deal programs to assist the American public during the Great Depression. Jane Hoey’s career as a social worker began in 1916 when she was appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the Board of Child Welfare in New York City. Hoey is best known for her role in the enactment of the Social Security Public Assistance Act which became law in 1935. Following the law’s enactment, Hoey became the Director of the Bureau of Public Assistance within the Social Security Administration and was responsible for organizing and implementing the distribution of the public welfare provisions ( Social Welfare History Project , 2011).

Harry Hopkins became the Federal Relief Administrator during the Great Depression and presidential advisor. Hopkins believed that the way to assist people during a time of such job loss was to get people back to work instead of direct government handouts. Hopkins led such New Deal programs as the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), the Civil Works Administration (CWA), and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) (Hopkins, 2011). These programs not only helped to create work and income for struggling families, but they also helped with morale which Hopkins and other social workers of the time deemed necessary (Leighninger, 2019).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4VzRSnksmA

Legacies of Social Change from CSWE and NASW on Youtube.

The evolution of Social Work: Historical milestones . SC-UMT. (2021, May 13). Retrieved April 17, 2022, from https://online.simmons.edu/blog/evolution-social-work-historical-milestones/

Hansan, J.E. (2013). Hunter, (Wiles) Robert (April 10, 1874 – May 15, 1942), social worker, author and socialist. In Social Welfare History Project . Retrieved from http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/people/hunter-robert/

Leighninger, R. (2019). Families, The Family, and the New Deal. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services. 100 (4) 341–350. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044389419874904

Nsonwu, M. B., Casey, K., Cook, S. W., & Armendariz, N. B. (2013). Embodying social work as a profession: A pedagogy for practice. SAGE Open , 3 (3), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244013503835

Paul, C.A. (2016). Jane Addams (1860-1935). Social Welfare History Project . Retrieved from http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/settlement-houses/addams-jane/

Richmond, M. E. (1917). Social diagnosis. New York: Russell Sage Foundation

Social Welfare History Project (2011). Mary Ellen Richmond (1861-1928) – Social work pioneer, administrator, researcher, and author. Social Welfare History Project . Retrieved from http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/social-work/richmond-mary/

Trolander, J.A. (1991). Hull-House and the settlement house movement: A centennial reassessment. Journal of Urban History, 17 (4), 410-420.  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/009614429101700404

Introduction to Social Work: A Look Across the Profession Copyright © 2022 by James Langford, LCSW and Craig Keaton, PhD, LMSW is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section History of Social Work and Social Welfare, 1900–1950

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History of Social Work and Social Welfare, 1900–1950 by Paul H. Stuart LAST MODIFIED: 25 October 2017 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0257

The terms social work and social welfare came into common use early in the first half of the 20th century, describing an emerging occupation and social institution in Europe and the United States. Social workers assisted in childcare, assisted the poor, and presented evidence for improving nations’ emerging social welfare systems. A half-century characterized by industrial growth, urbanization, and two world wars led to movements to consolidate and expand social welfare systems. By midcentury, the welfare state seemed well on the way to institutionalization, and social workers in many nations looked forward to their participation in the expansion of social services. But the domination of the nations that won World War II was challenged by divisions between the victors as a new Cold War pitted the USSR against the West. Colonialism would soon be in retreat, and anti-communist campaigns ravaged progressive social work in the United States, which was emerging as the leader of the anti-communist West. This bibliography gathers works that describe the origins of modern social welfare and social work in the first half of the 20th century, as well as their transformation over the course of that half-century.

General Overviews

Included here are works that provide general, cross-national overviews of the development of social welfare programs and the profession of social work between 1900 and 1950. Since most accounts focus on the development of social welfare and social work in Europe and the United States, many emphasize the importance of Christian traditions and neglect other religious traditions, especially Islam and Judaism. This section is divided into sections on Social Welfare , Social Work , Islam , and Judaism .

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Diego Rivera’s Canvas of History: a Look at his Painting

This essay about Diego Rivera’s famous paintings and murals explores the themes and stories behind his most iconic works. Highlighting pieces like the Detroit Industry Murals, “Man at the Crossroads,” and “The Flower Carrier,” the essay delves into Rivera’s use of art to narrate Mexico’s history, culture, and social struggles. It discusses the controversy surrounding some of his works, particularly the Rockefeller commission, and Rivera’s ability to blend political, personal, and historical narratives. Additionally, it touches on his murals at the National Palace in Mexico City, emphasizing Rivera’s role as a storyteller and social activist through his art. By examining Rivera’s contributions, the essay showcases his vision of a society at the intersection of progress and justice, and his enduring legacy as a master of Mexican muralism. On PapersOwl, there’s also a selection of free essay templates associated with Painting.

How it works

Diego Rivera, a titan of the Mexican muralism movement, left behind a legacy that transcends borders and generations. His work, characterized by large frescoes that weave complex narratives of history, culture, and social justice, continues to captivate and provoke. Rivera’s paintings and murals are not just art; they are historical documents that narrate Mexico’s story through vibrant colors and powerful imagery. This essay delves into some of Rivera’s most famous works, exploring the themes and stories behind them.

One cannot discuss Rivera’s oeuvre without mentioning the Detroit Industry Murals, a series of frescoes at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Commissioned in 1932, these murals are a celebration of the city’s manufacturing base and labor force. Rivera’s fascination with industry and technology is evident, as is his commitment to depicting workers of all races and ethnicities working side by side. The murals also reflect Rivera’s socialist views, subtly critiquing the capitalist system that he saw as exploitative.

Another significant work is “Man at the Crossroads,” originally commissioned for the Rockefeller Center in New York. The controversy surrounding this mural is legendary; it was destroyed before completion because it included an image of Lenin, which did not sit well with the patrons. However, Rivera later recreated the mural in Mexico City, where it stands as a testament to his artistic integrity and political convictions. This piece encapsulates Rivera’s vision of a society at the crossroads of industry, science, and social justice, urging viewers to ponder the direction of humanity’s progress.

“The Flower Carrier” (originally “The Flower Vendor”) is another iconic Rivera painting that departs from his large-scale murals. This work captures the simplicity and beauty of Mexican peasant life, highlighting the struggles of the working class. The image of a peasant struggling under the weight of a massive flower basket is both a celebration of the human spirit and a critique of the social inequalities that burden it.

Rivera’s murals at the National Palace in Mexico City are a monumental tribute to Mexican civilization, spanning from the pre-Columbian era to the Mexican Revolution. These murals are a vivid chronicle of Mexico’s history, painted with a depth of knowledge and passion that brings the past to life. Rivera’s ability to blend personal, political, and historical narratives in these works demonstrates his genius as a storyteller and his unwavering commitment to social activism through art.

In examining Diego Rivera’s most famous paintings, one sees a canvas of history painted with the brushstrokes of a visionary. Rivera’s work challenges us to consider the intersections of art, politics, and society, and to recognize the power of visual storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world. His murals remain not only as masterpieces of Mexican art but also as enduring symbols of the struggles and aspirations of the human condition. As we continue to navigate our own “crossroads,” Rivera’s art serves as a reminder of the transformative power of creativity and the enduring importance of cultural and historical reflection.

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Watch CBS News

How often total solar eclipses happen — and why Monday's was so rare

By Kerry Breen

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:05 AM EDT / CBS News

On April 8, a rare total solar eclipse  drew a "path of totality" over North America , throwing swaths of the United States, Canada and Mexico into darkness in the middle of the day. 

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking our view of the sun as it passes. It's called a total solar eclipse when the moon completely blocks the light of the sun. These events are rare, and can only be viewed in specific areas for short periods of time. 

The path of totality for the 2024 total solar eclipse stretched from Texas to the East Coast. Cities including Dallas, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and Burlington, Vermont, were among the areas with the best views.

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

Total solar eclipses are rare, and ones that are visible from the United States are even rarer.

The events occur every one to three years somewhere around the globe, but are often only visible from Earth's poles or from the middle of the ocean. 

A number of factors go into enjoying a total solar eclipse. Viewers need clear skies to ensure the phenomenon isn't blocked by clouds, and only those within the path of totality will see the full effect of the sun being blotted out. Those outside the path of totality can still observe a partial eclipse, when the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, NASA said .  

When was the last total solar eclipse? 

The last total solar eclipse was in 2021 and was only visible from Antarctica. The period of totality lasted just one minute and 54 seconds, according to NOAA .

The last total solar eclipse visible from North America was in 2017 . Parts of the United States from Oregon to South Carolina were able to witness the rare phenomenon. Before that , the last total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. was in 1979, when just five states were in the path of totality. 

When will the next total solar eclipse be?  

The next total solar eclipse will be on Aug. 12, 2026, according to NOAA . This eclipse will be viewable from the Arctic, eastern Greenland, northern Spain and Iceland. 

Those looking to see a total solar eclipse in the United States will have to wait significantly longer. A total solar eclipse won't occur in the contiguous U.S. until August 2044.

Kerry Breen is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

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