Settlement House Movement Revisited: A Transnational History

The settlement house movement played a significant role in global social welfare and social work, shaping social policy, research, and the profession across different national, cultural, and social boundaries. This book explores its transnational history and interconnections with other movements and research.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2020
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The settlement house movement played a significant role in shaping the global development of social welfare and the social work profession. This book explores the transnational history of settlement houses and examines the interconnections between the movement, other social and professional movements, and social research. By tracing the settlement house movement across different national, cultural, and social boundaries, the book demonstrates that understanding its impact can help us better understand the wider global development of social policy, social research, and the social work profession.

The settlement house movement originated in the late 19th century in the United States and quickly spread to other parts of the world. These houses were designed to provide a range of services to the poor and marginalized, including education, healthcare, and social services. They were often run by volunteers and were located in low-income neighborhoods.

One of the key features of the settlement house movement was its emphasis on community development. Settlement houses worked to build strong and resilient communities by providing opportunities for residents to participate in decision-making processes and to develop their skills and knowledge. They also provided a range of social services, such as child care, youth programs, and adult education, to help residents improve their quality of life.

The settlement house movement also played a significant role in social research. Settlement houses were often the first to conduct research on social issues, and their findings were used to inform social policy and practice. They were particularly important in the development of child welfare, mental health, and social work.

However, the settlement house movement faced several challenges throughout its history. One of the most significant challenges was the rise of government-funded social services. As government funding became more prevalent, settlement houses were forced to compete for resources and were often unable to provide the same level of services that they had in the past.

Despite these challenges, the settlement house movement continued to grow and evolve. In the 20th century, settlement houses began to focus on issues such as poverty, racism, and gender inequality. They also began to work more closely with other social and professional movements, such as the civil rights movement and the women's rights movement.

Today, settlement houses continue to play a significant role in social welfare and the social work profession. They provide a range of services to the poor and marginalized, and they are often involved in social research and advocacy. However, the settlement house movement faces several challenges in the modern world, including the impact of globalization, the rise of income inequality, and the changing nature of social work practice.

In conclusion, the settlement house movement played a significant role in shaping the global development of social welfare and the social work profession. By understanding its impact, we can better understand the wider global development of social policy, social research, and the social work profession. While the settlement house movement faced several challenges throughout its history, it continues to grow and evolve, and it remains an important part of the social landscape today.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447354239