The Origin and Evolution of the term Social Work

The origin of the term “social work” has long been misattributed to the 1907 work of economist Simon Patten. While Patten’s contribution to social work is important, though mostly forgotten, the term had been used long before regarding the work of nuns and settlement workers. Quoting archival and historical findings, this article traces the origin, evolution, and widespread use of the term “social work.” The words of the early founders of social work are utilized to tell the story of how the work of persons doing “the social work” of the church or settlement evolved into the name of the profession. These shifts in terminology in social work’s early history have influenced the subsequent direction of the field up to the present day

Macro-Level Client Systems

This chapter examines macro practice in the context of an integrated approach. It is the person-in-environment approach. Through the main areas of macro practice, social workers can advocate lasting change that impacts other systems at all levels

The Roots of Social Work Practice

This chapter provides a brief history of social work welfare and social work. The history of social work and social welfare provides a context for the profession and its story for the challenges and changing trend