A History of the Roles and Responsibilities of Social Workers: From the Poor Laws to the Present Day

This book explores the history of social work, from the 'impotent poor' under the Poor Laws to the current responsibilities of social workers towards vulnerable people. It discusses how the identification of social problems led to the emergence of occupational groups and voluntary workers, and how the formation of the British Association of Social Workers in 1970 reflected the changes in roles and responsibilities in social services departments and voluntary societies. It is an essential resource for academics, students, and practitioners interested in understanding the origins of social work and the current state of the profession.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Tracing the evolution of work from the 'impotent poor under the Poor Laws' to the contemporary responsibilities of social workers towards vulnerable individuals, this comprehensive book offers a fascinating insight into the historical development of the social work profession. It explores how the identification of specific social problems at the end of the nineteenth century gave rise to a diverse array of occupational groups and voluntary workers, often referred to as social workers.

The book employs an extended single chronological historical narrative and rigorous analysis, drawing extensively from original archival sources and contemporary literature. It delves into the profound changes that occurred as part of the welfare state and the subsequent establishment of common roles and responsibilities among social workers, ultimately leading to the formation of the British Association of Social Workers in 1970.

The expansion of roles and responsibilities within social services departments and voluntary societies is analyzed in depth, shedding light on their significance for the growth and evolution of social work as a discipline. By highlighting the shifts and continuities in these roles and responsibilities, this book appeals to a wide range of academics, students, and practitioners engaged in social work. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the origins of their profession and the current state of the field.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367498948