The Origin and Evolution of Social Work

The beginning and development of social work is a long historical process that gradually evolved with different civilizations and over time. To make it easier to understand, I will break it down into details.

The Origin and Evolution of Social Work

The Beginning of Social Work

The concept of social work is ancient, but it took time to organize it as a profession. Since ancient times, people have helped one another—whether it was providing food for the poor, caring for the sick, or raising orphaned children. However, the term "social work" came into existence much later.

Ancient Civilizations (Before 2000 BCE)

In ancient India, religion and charity held great importance. People helped the poor through zakat, donations, and alms. Kings like Ashoka built hospitals and orphanages.

In ancient Egypt and Rome, religious institutions also helped the poor and the sick.

This help was voluntary, with no systematic structure in place.

Medieval Period (500-1500 CE)

In Europe, the Church played a major role in charity work, such as taking care of orphans and widows.

In India, the Bhakti and Sufi movements emphasized service. Saints like Guru Nanak and Sant Kabir advocated for helping the weaker sections of society.

Islam practiced zakat and sadaqah, which were part of social welfare.

Foundations of Modern Social Work (17th-18th Century)

After the Industrial Revolution in Europe, the situation changed. People moved from villages to cities, poverty increased, and social problems emerged.

In England, the "Poor Laws" (1601) were enacted, marking the first government step to provide relief to the poor. This involved providing work or creating relief funds for the poor.

Religious organizations continued their efforts, with the St. Vincent de Paul Society (1833) working to aid the poor.

Social Work as a Profession (19th Century)

The professionalization of social work began in the 19th century. It was developed more systematically in Europe and America.

Charity Organization Society (COS)

In 1869, the Charity Organization Society (COS) was established in London. The goal was to approach charity in a scientific manner. They studied the conditions of the poor, understood their needs, and then provided assistance.

COS introduced "casework," a basic method of social work still in use today. Each case was studied individually to find solutions.

Settlement House Movement

The Settlement House Movement began in the 1880s, with the first settlement house, Toynbee Hall, established in London in 1884.

The aim was for educated and wealthy people to live in poor neighborhoods, understand their problems, and address them. This was the first form of community work.

In the United States, Jane Addams established Hull House in Chicago in 1889, which became very famous. She helped immigrants and the poor.

Beginning of Professional Training

In 1898, New York introduced the first social work training course at the New York School of Philanthropy (later known as Columbia University School of Social Work).

In 1904, the London School of Economics also started offering social work training.

3. The Emergence of Social Work in India

The history of social work in India can be divided into two parts—traditional and modern.

Traditional Social Work

In ancient India, charity and service were considered religious duties. Buddhist and Jain monasteries helped the poor.

During the medieval period, the Bhakti movement and Sufi saints emphasized social equality and service.

In the 19th century, reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and Dayanand Saraswati worked against social evils like the Sati system and child marriage.

Modern Social Work

The professionalization of social work in India began in 1936 when the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai introduced the first social work course, started by Sir Clifford Manshart.

After India's independence, the scope of social work expanded, with the government launching various welfare schemes, such as the Five-Year Plans, focusing on poverty alleviation, education, and health.

NGOs and community development programs also grew, focusing on rural development and tribal welfare.

The Development of Social Work

Social work has developed in several stages:

Charity-Based: Initially, it was limited to charity and religious assistance.

Scientific Approach: In the 19th century, COS and settlement houses systematized the approach.

Professional Training: In the 20th century, training institutions were established, and social work became a recognized profession.

Modern Social Work: Today, social work covers multiple fields like health, education, child welfare, mental health, disaster management, and more. Methods have evolved, including casework, group work, and community organization.

The Current Status of Social Work

Today, social work is a global profession, promoted by organizations like the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).

In India, institutions like TISS and Delhi School of Social Work are leading the way.

Social workers now collaborate with governments, NGOs, corporations (CSR), and international bodies like UNICEF and WHO.