History of Social Work
Social workers have played an important role in the advancement of human civilization since long ago. They uphold social justice by reducing inequality and promoting human rights. Social workers try to improve the quality of life of unfortunate people in the society and help them realize their true potential. This is done through counseling, mediating between the needy and charitable organizations or the government, and other activities. Social work helps to solve a lot of problems in the society, and it contributes significantly towards the cultural and moral advancement of humankind.
Origins and Modern History of Social Work
All major religions encourage people to help the poor, and some of these religions were formed thousands of years ago. Therefore, it can be said that social work originated in the ancient times, when human beings started to perform charity work. In the western world, the first documented instance of organized social work occurred during the 3rd century, right after the Christian Church was legalized by Roman Emperor Constantine I. The church set up hospitals, poorhouses, orphanages, and homes for the elderly, and these establishments received grants from the Roman Empire. By the 6th century, the church had developed an elaborate system for distributing food and other consumables to the poor. Later on, it would encourage the European public to offer direct relief to the unfortunate.
During the 19th century, the industrial revolution led to a lot of social problems in England and the United States, including poverty, diseases, mental disorders, prostitution, and others. As such, there was a great need for social work. Churches and governments established effective systems and laws to provide assistance for the needy, and many individuals started to form groups and organizations to perform social work.
Jane Addams, Mother of Social Work
Jane Addams was one of the first social workers in the US. When she was 27 years old, she visited the Toynbee Hall settlement house in London, and she developed an aspiration to open a similar house in Chicago. In 1889, she partnered with her friend Ellen Starr to set up a settlement house called the Hull-House. They gave speeches about the social problems that were plaguing their neighborhood, raised funds, and encouraged young women to become volunteer social workers. After two years, the Hull-House was providing assistance to around 2,000 people every week. As she became more famous in Chicago, she began to take on greater civic responsibilities, such as founding a school of philanthropy, conducting investigations on social problems, and campaigning for peace. For her extraordinary efforts in social work, Jane Addams was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1931.
Social Work in America
Before the 18th century, public health was the only form of social welfare that was available in the US. During the early part of the next century, almhouses were set up in a number of major cities around the country, and these almhouses were transformed into hospitals later on. Mass migrations to the US in the 19th century resulted in serious social problems, and this called for a more efficient way to provide aid to the unfortunate. The establishment of settlement houses and social work departments sparked the beginning of modern social work in the US. By 1911, there were more than 40 social work departments in 14 cities, and the number grew to 200 in 1913. Now, social work in the US is regarded as one of the most efficient and effective in the world.
Social Work in the UK
Social upheaval and mass migration contributed significantly to the evolution of social work in the UK. The populations of cities were increasing dramatically during the industrial revolution, and many people were afflicted by poverty and diseases. The UK government responded by offering free treatment in hospitals, and hospital almoners were recruited to help in the treatment of patients. These almoners were regarded as social workers, and their roles began to include other social responsibilities in the following years.
Social work has come a long way to become an important profession in the modern society. The scope of responsibilities of social work has become wider over the years, and social workers require more extensive training to perform their duties effectively. As social problems grow in the modern society, social work will continue to gain importance around the world.
Social Work Resources
To learn more about the history and advances in social work, visit these links:
- Social Work History Station: A web page that offers extensive information on the history of social work.
- Evolution of Social Work: A timeline that reveals the evolution of social work throughout history.
- Biography of Jane Addams: Comprehensive account of the life and works of Jane Addams.
- Pioneer Social Workers Database: Huge collection of biographies of important social workers in history.
- Social Work History Resources: Links to websites that provide information on social work history.
If your interested in learning more about Social Work and becoming a Social Worker you may consider a Social Work Degree:
Social Work Degrees – A listing of the various social work degrees available
Online MSW – What elements you should examine when looking for a Online MSW.
Masters Degree Social Work – A degree program for those who do not have their bachelors in social work.
Master of Social Work – A program overview of UNE’s Master of Social Work.
Online MSW Program – A advanced program that enables you to choose two unique concentrations.
Social Worker Degrees - The various degree options for social workers.
Online MSW Degree FAQS – A listing of the frequently asked questions related to an Online MSW Degree.
Masters Degree in Social Work – Why you should consider a masters degree in social work.
POSTED BY: ec_admin - May 12th, 2010 at 03:46pm ( 0 )
Jessica, Enrollment Coordinator - May 6th, 2010 at 11:15am
Joy,
Please contact our veteran’s representative at va@une.edu for any related questions or concerns.
Stafford Loans are available that will cover all direct costs including: tuition, fees, books, & supplies. Grants and scholarships are not available for Distance Learning Students. Additional financial aid information can be found on the Financial Aid page within our site: http://socialwork.une.edu/financial-aid-process/
Jessica, Enrollment Coordinator - May 6th, 2010 at 11:48am
E.VanRamshorst,
Yes, our Traditional Track is available for students with a non-BSW background. Applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum of 3.0 GPA and a distribution of liberal arts courses including human biology content. Thank you for your interest and please let us know if you have any further questions.
Jessica, Enrollment Coordinator - May 6th, 2010 at 11:55am
Jennifer,
Advanced standing applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Social Work degree that was completed in the last 7 years. Our Traditional track is available for students with a non-BSW background. An Enrollment Advisor would be more than happy to speak with you in further detail about our application process. Please let us know what we can do to help!
Jessica, Enrollment Coordinator - May 6th, 2010 at 01:22pm
Ann Marie,
The field placements are completed in the student’s local area. Students are assigned a Field Advisor that they will begin working with approximately 7 months prior to the placement. Students are expected to do research on local settings and work with their advisor to find one that fits best.
Transfer Procedures: Applicants wishing to apply for a transfer of credit, whether to be applied toward elective credit or for waiver of required courses, shall provide the Admissions Committee with a written petition for the transfer along with the following documents: an official transcript showing that the course(s) were taken and passed with a grade of “B” or better; a copy of the course descriptions, syllabi, bibliographies, field work evaluations, and college bulletin in which the course is described.
Jessica, Enrollment Coordinator - May 6th, 2010 at 01:31pm
Diana,
The Traditional track requires 2 practicums. You will be expected to work a minimum of 17.5 hours per week for a 16 week semester (280 hours). You will always complete two semesters of practicums back to back. This means 32 weeks (560 hours). Students will be expected to be at their placement during peak hours, which may mean needing flexibility in a current job, depending on the location of the practicum. We will do our best to help you in finding a placement that works with your schedule, however, some flexibility may be necessary.
Grants and scholarships are not available for Distance Learning Students, but we do offer financial aid in the form of Stafford loans. For more financial aid information please see the Financial Aid page within our site: http://socialwork.une.edu/financial-aid-process/
Jessica, Enrollment Coordinator - May 6th, 2010 at 01:49pm
Debra,
Applicants wishing to apply for a transfer of credit, whether to be applied toward elective credit or for waiver of required courses, shall provide the Admissions Committee with a written petition for the transfer along with the following documents: an official transcript showing that the course(s) were taken and passed with a grade of “B” or better; a copy of the course descriptions, syllabi, bibliographies, field work evaluations, and college bulletin in which the course is described.
Jessica, Enrollment Coordinator - May 6th, 2010 at 02:03pm
Amy,
Advanced standing applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Social Work degree that was completed in the last 7 years from a CSWE accredited and regionally accredited institution, a minimum of 3.0 GPA and a distribution of liberal arts courses including human biology content. We do not require the GRE.
Our program is 100% online (no campus visits required)
– 16 week semester is divided into 8 week terms
– Take one course every 8 weeks
– Approximate length is 2 years and 1 semester
– Time investment is 20 hours per week on average
– Field placement will be completed in student’s local area
– Field placement lasts 32 weeks (last 2 semesters)
– Students are expected to spend between 17.5 and 20 hours per week in their placement
An Enrollment Advisor would be happy help you through the application process.
Amy Zacher - May 6th, 2010 at 06:30pm
Will I be eligible to become licensed in Oregon (where I live) f I sucessfully complete your online MSW program? Amy
Kenieca - May 9th, 2010 at 10:19pm
can someone outside of the US study with this university online?
Tom - October 31st, 2010 at 05:18pm
I do not have the human biology component — can I still apply and take that course online with you prior to the first day of class?
Jo - January 7th, 2011 at 08:12pm
I have a Masters of Arts in Counseling. I am LPC eligible but I am also interested in obtaining a MSW. Would I be able to possibly follow the advanced track with transferred credit?
Ronda - March 26th, 2011 at 02:21pm
Hi, I am from NY and I have my B.A. in psychology. I also have some graduate school counseling credits but am interested in pursuing a master’s in social work. Will any of my school counseling credits be useful to transfer and is this program approved in NY?
Jessica - May 9th, 2011 at 08:24pm
I currently live in Virginia. I see where your MSW program is completely online but would I still be able to live in VA and be a student at UNE because a few online MSW programs do not allow for students to go enroll because of the distance. Would living in Virginia be a problem?
University of New England Admissions - May 25th, 2011 at 01:41pm
Jessica, we do not require any campus visits or residencies aside from your fieldwork. To learn more about UNE’s School of Social Work and our online options, please visit our website at http://www.socialwork.une.edu.
Nicole - June 20th, 2011 at 03:13pm
If I take some MSW classes at Ualbany, will they transfer in?
Joyce - July 18th, 2011 at 02:17pm
I have a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and now I would like to get my Masters. I would like to talk with someone offline in reference to my GPA Score.
Kate - August 18th, 2011 at 01:15pm
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Anthropology but from 1978. I’ve been employed as a social worker (child sexual abuse) for the past 30 years but found myself unemployed recently. All positions in our area (St. Louis) requires an MSW with licensure. I am also interested in working in Australia and wondered if your MSW program would be recognized. Many thanks for your reply.
Jessie Smith - January 27th, 2012 at 05:36am
I have a BSW, graduated Cu laude with destintion in field in 2005. Also, attended Webster University for a short length of time working toward a master degree in public administration. I achieved 18 hours can any of these hours be transferred & used toward electives?
Saran - January 31st, 2012 at 12:39pm
I am planning to do my MSW. I live in Millville,a town in southern New Jersey. Do you have any locations in this area where I can do my internship? Thank You.