Discussion: Social Work History, Mission, and Your Role

Social work emerged as a profession in response to social disparities brought on by the Industrial Revolution and subsequent urbanization. One type of practice, called macro practice, developed through the community work of Jane Addams and Hull-House, which focused on creating a socially just environment in which communities could thrive. Another pivotal figure, Mary Richmond, focused on helping the individual and family to develop skills and resources needed to be successful in society—what is known as micro practice. The history of the social work profession includes countless individuals who devoted their lives to social change, equality, and social justice, incorporating their accompanying values into the profession.

What will be your role in the history of social work? How will you draw upon that rich history? What from that history can help you articulate how you see your role? How can your role help effect positive social change? Consider these questions as you engage with this week’s Discussion.

To Prepare

• Review this week’s Learning Resources focusing on the history of social work and the mission of social work.


• Recall the Mission of Social Work:
  
  
  Mission of Social Work, as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics (2017):
  
  
  “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the profession's focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.”


• Reflect on your inspiration, goals, and the social work role you see for yourself.

Week 2 discussion

Posta response to the following:

• Explain how 1 or more aspects of the history of social work relate to the social work population with whom you want to work.


• Explain how the mission of social work aligns with your goals for your social work career.

Support your post with examples from the course text to demonstrate that you have completed the required readings, understand the material, and are able to apply the concepts.