Project History Pioneering social worker John E. (Jack) Hansan, Ph.D. (1930 – 2019) launched the Social Welfare History Project in 2010. Recognizing the power of the Web as an information-sharing platform, Hansan created the site to help the public understand and appreciate the history of social reform and social welfare services that have strengthened the…
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Social Work in Divisive Times: Navigating Dual Roles Across Eras and Movements
Social work is often celebrated for its commitment to social justice, aiding vulnerable populations, and driving societal change. Yet, this narrative too frequently fails to grapple with the darker elements of the profession’s past—namely, the instances where it has caused harm to those it intended to help. Throughout its history, social work has not only offered support and advocacy but has also, at times, played a role in perpetuating injustices and societal harms.
Continue Reading »Elderly Homeless Crisis: History and Origins
The growing number of elderly persons experiencing homelessness requires an extensive overhaul of the welfare systems originally designed to assist houseless individuals. Elderly persons are more likely to need medical assistance, supportive housing, and disability assistance, services that the U.S. government is straining to accommodate.
Continue Reading »National Association of Black Social Workers
By Alice W. Campbell, 2021. The National Association of Black Social Workers was founded on May 8, 1968 in San Francisco, CA.
Continue Reading »Red Cross Home Service Institutes — Richmond School of Social Economy.
Red Cross Home Service Institutes During World War I Alice W. Campbell, Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries During the fall of 1917, the American Red Cross organized to support families of soldiers and sailors serving in the Great War. While much of this work would be carried out by volunteers, the Red Cross sought the…
Continue Reading »Richmond School of Social Economy – Beginnings. October 1916 – July 1917
Richmond School of Social Economy – Beginnings. October 1916 – July 1917 Alice W. Campbell The Richmond School of Social Economy was a training school for social workers established in Richmond, Virginia. The school changed its name and character over time, and in 1968 merged with the Medical College of Virginia to form Virginia Commonwealth…
Continue Reading »Immigration and Ethnicity: Documents in United States History
Immigration and Ethnicity: Documents in United States History By Catherine A. Paul January 18, 2018 Chinese Exclusion Act, 1882 The Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law on May 6, 1882 by President Chester A. Arthur in response to native-born Americans’ belief that unemployment and declining wages were due to Chinese workers. This…
Continue Reading »What is Social Welfare History?
By John E. Hansan, Ph.D. 2017. Social welfare history reflects the lives of people living, being educated, working and voting in the nation. It is an interdisciplinary study of the evolution of charitable works, organized activities related to social reform movements and non-profit or public social services designed to protect or benefit individuals, families and citizens of the larger society.
Continue Reading »Theological Foundations of Charity: Catholic Social Teaching, The Social Gospel, and Tikkun Olam
A look at theological principles that have motivated Catholics, Protestants, and Jews to charitable acts.
Continue Reading »National Social Welfare Assembly Comics Project
By Linnea Anderson, 2017. The National Social Welfare Assembly’s Comics Project was a collaboration between The National Social Welfare Assembly and National Comics, the company which became DC Comics. The project lasted from August, 1949 to July, 1967 and produced over 200 comic pages promoting citizenship and social values.
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