Social Work In The 1800s

A Social worker can be a person who helps individuals, groups, and/or communities gain a better life emotionally, physically and economically (Social Worker). Social work was first documented in the early 1800s with the main focus of helping the poor in urban areas. The individuals who usually tended to the poor were women, particularly minister 's daughters (Zastrow 41). These women would try to help the poor with their economic and emotional difficulties by means of religious counselling. Some of the early organizations that were in place was the Society of Prevention of Pauperism in 1820. The purpose of this organization was to help children become educated. Not only were there classes but they had individuals visit homes and encourage the …show more content…
The view of poverty was seen as, “personal shortcomings (Zastrow).” Another organization that is memorable in the line of social work was called called: Charity Organization which was founded in 1870. This group focused on a much broader spectrum of society and its dificulties. They looked at unemployment, poverty, illness, physical and mental disabilities, and orphans (Zastrow). These are just some of the few important institutions that were gathering how to successfully help the underprivileged. The next great step in the process of social work was the transition from an interest to a job. This happened in the late 1800s when these organizations needed secretaries to document the findings (Zastrow 41). After a while once there was greater knowledge about Social work in 1917 Mary Richmond’s book was published and called, “Social Diagnosis”. This was the first published book that went over the theory and methodology of Social work. Her book was very important to our body of knowledge for casework regarding Social work even today. She went over four aspects when assessing someone or a …show more content…
There are three levels of practice according to Zastrow. First level is micro: which is one on one help, second is mezzo: which focuses on families and other small groups. Lastly is the macro level which is when a Social worker works with organizations and communities. In macro practice they usually focus on specifically seeking changes in the law (Zastrow 50). There are so many specific things a Social worker can study and become licensed as such as social case work, group work, group therapy or even case managment. There are many resources that you can look up online to help you figure out how to become licensed properly or to see what job availabilities there are near you. One website that is a good resource is called, “Social Work Career Center.” There are plenty of websites that keep you informed of what is happening legally. This is important to a Social worker because the implications on tax cuts or education can impact society tremendously (Home). The implication of governmental Social work is relatively new and has positively affected the world and continues to do so (Zastrow). With the bloom of Social work comes the blossom of society as long as we continue to hold society up as