Social casework represents a dynamic evolution in addressing individual and societal challenges. Its origins, deeply rooted in charity and philanthropy, reflect the ways communities have responded to poverty and distress. Over time, social casework has transformed into a structured and scientific method of practice, integrating interdisciplinary approaches to improve lives. This blog explores its detailed historical milestones, the influences of global events, and its journey in India.
Historical Developments of Social Casework
Early Developments in
England & USA: Concept of Charity & Philanthropy
Charity has been a universal aspect of societies since ancient times. Churches, philanthropists, and community leaders organized services to alleviate the effects of poverty and provide care for vulnerable groups such as orphans and the elderly. In this period, charity was guided by the principle of “worthiness,” meaning aid was offered based on whether recipients were deemed deserving. This laid the foundation for organized efforts, but the focus was often on temporary relief rather than addressing root causes.
The Dark Period in Europe
The 16th century brought unprecedented hardships with the Plague, famines, and widespread poverty. King Henry VIII’s anti-beggary laws (1531) and the closure of monasteries exacerbated the crisis. Although these measures aimed to reduce public dependency, they failed to provide sustainable solutions, leaving the destitute in even more dire conditions. (alert-success)
Elizabethan Poor Law
(1601)
A landmark in the history of social welfare, the Elizabethan Poor Law
categorized aid recipients into three groups:
- Able-bodied poor: Expected to work if
assistance was provided.
- Impotent poor: Received aid due to inability
to work (e.g., elderly or disabled).
- Dependent children: Offered support through
apprenticeships or institutions.
While the law marked the government’s role in aiding the poor, corruption and inefficiency often hampered its implementation.
Association for
Improving the Conditions of the Poor (AICP)
Established in 1843, AICP recognized that traditional charity often created dependency and eroded self-respect. This organization introduced the idea of tailored relief based on individual needs, shifting the focus from handouts to empowerment. This change marked the beginning of the professionalization of charity, emphasizing dignity and self-reliance.
Developments During the
Late 19th Century
With the rise of urbanization and industrialization, local governments and individual charities struggled to meet the growing social needs. This gave rise to organizations like the Charity Organization Society (COS), which emphasized systematic approaches to aid distribution and the coordination of resources to avoid duplication of services.
Charity Organization
Society in England & USA
Founded in 1869 in England and later in 1877 in the USA, the COS adopted a scientific methodology to tackle social problems. Their approach involved investigating the root causes of poverty, assessing individual circumstances, and devising solutions to restore self-sufficiency. COS played a critical role in shaping modern social work by emphasizing case-by-case assistance rather than blanket charity.
Ideology of COS
The COS believed that unregulated charity could weaken individuals’ independence, making them reliant on aid. Their goal was to encourage self-reliance by ensuring aid was directed only to those who truly needed it. This ideology led to a distinction between deserving and undeserving poor and highlighted the importance of coordination between charitable organizations and government policies.
Organizational Structure
& System of COS
To effectively manage aid distribution, COS established district committees that reviewed applications for support. Investigators conducted detailed assessments, including home visits, to determine eligibility. These practices laid the groundwork for modern casework methods, emphasizing individualized attention and scientific evaluation.
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Modus Operandi of COS
COS employed “friendly visitors” (volunteers) and “paid agents” to investigate and report on families' needs. The insights from these assessments informed decisions on providing aid. This approach professionalized social work, ensuring systematic intervention rather than ad hoc assistance.
Initiation of Training
& Education
Recognizing the need for skilled workers, COS initiated training programs. Institutions like the New York School of Philanthropy (1898) and Amsterdam’s School of Social Work (1899) formalized the education of social workers, integrating scientific methods such as diagnosis and intervention planning.
Contributions of Mary
Richmond
Mary Richmond was instrumental in establishing the theoretical foundation of
social casework. Her book Social Diagnosis (1917) introduced a
structured methodology for assessing and addressing individual problems. She
emphasized respect for individuality and clients’ right to self-determination,
principles that remain central to social work practice.
Other Impacts on the Development of Social Casework
Impact of World War I
World War I saw an increase in psychiatric social work to address the mental health challenges of war-affected individuals. This period marked the integration of psychological theories into social work practice.
Insights Drawn from
Medical Practice
In 1905, Dr. Cabot pioneered medical social work by integrating social workers into hospitals. Their role included home visits, economic assessments, and education on disease prevention, highlighting the importance of addressing patients’ socio-economic contexts.
Child Guidance Clinics
(CGC)
The establishment of CGCs in 1909 marked a significant advancement. These clinics, staffed by psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, addressed behavioral issues in children and their family dynamics, offering a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Contributions of
Sociological & Psychological Theories
Freud’s psychoanalytic theories profoundly influenced social work, shifting its focus to the interplay between individual behavior and environmental factors. This period also saw the emergence of psycho-social approaches, combining psychological and sociological perspectives.
The Period of Economic
Depression
The Great Depression (1930s) expanded the scope of social casework to include economic and social factors affecting individuals. Social workers adopted psycho-social approaches, considering both individual distress and systemic issues.
World War II
World War II broadened the application of social work, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods to address personal and societal challenges, particularly in the aftermath of war.
Era of Private Practice
Post-1950s, private agencies began offering social work services, adopting
holistic approaches to address complex individual and societal problems.
Social Casework in India
Social Service League
Founded by N.M. Joshi in 1911, the Social Service League focused on training volunteers to provide relief and rehabilitation. This initiative laid the groundwork for organized social work in India.
Contributions of Dr.
Clifford Mandshart and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
Dr. Mandshart's vision led to the establishment of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in 1936. TISS became a hub for social work education and research, integrating indigenous knowledge with global practices.
At last, Social casework has evolved through centuries of socio-political changes, embracing scientific methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. From its origins in charity to its current role in addressing individual and systemic challenges, it remains a cornerstone of social justice and professional social work.
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