The Oppressive Origins of Social Work | Social Work History

Summary

This video from 'Critical Healing Moment' explores the history of social work and its impact on current practices. It delves into the origins from English poor laws to colonial America, highlighting the influence of the Protestant work ethic and the development of social welfare systems. The video critiques the legacy of oppressive social work ideologies, such as the distinction between the 'worthy' and 'unworthy' poor, and discusses the reform and potential abolition of the field to better align with values of social justice and self-determination.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the history of social work and its impact on current practices, emphasizing the need for critical examination of its legacy.
• 🏰 The roots of social work in the U.S. are traced back to England's social welfare institutions during the Middle Ages, particularly the Poor Laws and the role of the church in providing social assistance.
• 💼 The emergence of capitalism and the shift of power towards the merchant class led to the creation of social classes and an underclass of unemployed and impoverished individuals.
• 🏛 The English Poor Laws established a system of local responsibility for social welfare, a principle that persists in the U.S. today in the form of states' rights and federal regulations.
• 🏭 Workhouses were created as predecessors to prisons, reflecting early attempts to address unemployment and poverty through labor and job training.
• 👶 The distinction between the 'worthy' and 'unworthy' poor was cemented, placing responsibility on individuals rather than considering environmental factors that could lead to job loss.
• 🌳 The Protestant Work Ethic, prevalent in colonial America, viewed hard work as morally superior and influenced the perception of poverty and the treatment of the poor.
• 🏥 The Indian Removal Act and the subsequent effects of settler colonialism on Native American communities are highlighted, showing the long-term ramifications in areas relevant to social work.
• 🌐 The rise of European immigration and the development of social work in immigrant communities, with a focus on those closer to Anglo-Protestant whiteness, is discussed.
• 🏡 The Settlement House Movement and Charity Organization Society are examined as significant contributors to modern social work, with critiques of their approaches and underlying philosophies.
• 👶🏻 The Child Saving Movement and its connection to the American Indian Boarding School system are explored, revealing the oppressive origins and lasting impacts on child welfare and family separation.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the 'Critical Healing Moment' channel?

The main goal of the 'Critical Healing Moment' channel is to critically examine mental health and social work, making the knowledge learned in grad school accessible to the public and wider audience.

How did the English Poor Laws influence the concept of local responsibility in social welfare?

The English Poor Laws established a system where assistance was provided by parish-affiliated officials, embodying the principle of local responsibility. This concept persists today in the United States, influencing the concept of states' rights and leading to discrepancies in social welfare provisions between different states.

What is the historical connection between workhouses and modern prison labor?

Workhouses, which were institutions where the poor were sent to work or receive job training, are considered a predecessor to the use of incarcerated labor in prisons.

How did the Protestant work ethic influence social welfare in colonial America?

The Protestant work ethic, which values hard work and discipline as morally superior, influenced social welfare by creating a distinction between the 'worthy' and 'unworthy' poor, with the latter being seen as lacking in morality or work ethic.

What role did race play in the treatment of the poor and mentally ill during the early development of social work?

Race was a significant factor, with enslaved Africans often being seen as lazy or morally defective when they resisted work. This stereotype has persisted, impacting how African Americans are treated in social work and welfare systems.

Why did Dorothea Dix's efforts to get federal funding for mental health treatments fail?

Dorothea Dix's efforts failed because President Franklin Pierce believed that states were primarily responsible for providing mental health treatments, leading to underfunded and overcrowded state mental health hospitals.

How did the Charity Organization Society approach poverty and social assistance?

The Charity Organization Society used a scientific method of assessment, intervention, and reassessment, and was influenced by Malthusianism, advocating for population control and preventative checks to manage poverty.

What was the Settlement House Movement and how did it differ from the Charity Organization Society?

The Settlement House Movement involved middle-class women living in poor neighborhoods to contribute to community development. It differed from the Charity Organization Society by focusing on social reform and policy change, though it still used individualist and assimilation approaches.

How did the Child Saving Movement contribute to the development of the child welfare system?

The Child Saving Movement, which began with the Children's Aid Society, focused on taking children from poor or unable families and placing them with more affluent families or in schools to learn job traits, contributing to the development of adoption and foster care systems.

What is the connection between the American Indian boarding school system and the child welfare system?

The American Indian boarding school system aimed to assimilate Native American children into Protestant American culture and teach them labor skills. Social workers were involved in removing Native American children from their families, which is connected to the child welfare system's history.

What is the presenter's stance on the possibility of reforming social work?

The presenter believes that social work can be reformed, but they are also open to the idea of abolishing it if it becomes clear that reform is not possible, prioritizing liberation over the preservation of the profession.