I fully agree with the following quote from Zeller: "A study of social work and social pedagogy that is taught without history, that is, that does not ask about its roots, remains largely only on the surface of its professionalisation." Because I find the history of social work very important for understanding social work today.
In my opinion, the historical development of social work/social pedagogy is the basis for a professional self-understanding. In order to make it clear to myself which profession I choose, I have to know the history of this profession, why it exists at all and why in this form. Looking at the historical lines of development makes it clear that social work/social pedagogy on the one hand is to be understood from history until today, on the other hand that it is also a history of terms and their interpretations. In part, the same words are used to describe new contents - which also leads to misunderstandings.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Explanatory Approaches to the Development of Social Work and Social Pedagogy
- 3. History of Social Work
- 3.1 Why did social work come into being?
- 3.2 The Middle Ages
- 3.3 Beginning of modern times
- 3.4 Absolutism and Enlightenment
- 3.5 Industrialisation
- 3.6 Empire and Weimar Republic
- 3.7 National Socialism
- 3.8 German Democratic Republic
- 3.9 Federal Republic of Germany
- 4. Summary
- 5. Reflection
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the historical development of social work and social pedagogy, examining their intertwined yet distinct trajectories. It seeks to provide a foundation for understanding the current state of these professions by analyzing their roots and evolution. The text investigates the various theoretical perspectives on the relationship between social work and social pedagogy, placing these within a historical context.
- The historical evolution of social work and social pedagogy.
- Different theoretical perspectives on the relationship between social work and social pedagogy.
- The role of societal changes (e.g., industrialization, war) in shaping social welfare practices.
- The development of institutions and approaches to poverty and social care.
- The evolving understanding of poverty and its causes throughout history.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the importance of understanding the historical development of social work and social pedagogy for a comprehensive professional self-understanding. It highlights the significance of historical context in interpreting the evolution of terminology and practices within the field, emphasizing that a lack of historical awareness limits a true understanding of the profession's current state. The author underscores their personal commitment to understanding this history to inform their professional choices.
2. Explanatory Approaches to the Development of Social Work and Social Pedagogy: This chapter presents and analyzes seven different theoretical perspectives on the relationship between social work and social pedagogy: divergence, identity, substitution, subordination, subsumption, alternative, and convergence theories. Each theory offers a different interpretation of the historical relationship and the degree of overlap between the two fields. The author then declares their preference for the convergence theory, framing social work and social pedagogy as interconnected and interdependent aspects of a larger system, setting the stage for the historical overview that follows.
3. History of Social Work: This chapter provides a detailed historical account of social work's development, beginning with the shift from familial and community-based care to organized public welfare. It traces the evolution of social welfare practices from the Middle Ages through various historical periods such as the beginnings of modern times, absolutism, the Enlightenment, and beyond (although the provided text only covers up to the Enlightenment). Key figures like Thomas Aquinas, Juan Luis Vives, and Thomas Robert Malthus are discussed along with their theoretical models of poverty and social welfare. The chapter details the changing perceptions of poverty and the development of institutions such as hospitals, poorhouses, and workhouses, and it shows how different eras and ideologies shaped social welfare approaches.
Keywords
Social work, social pedagogy, history, poverty, social welfare, institutional development, theoretical perspectives, historical context, Middle Ages, modern times, absolutism, Enlightenment, Thomas Aquinas, Juan Luis Vives, Thomas Robert Malthus.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall subject of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development of social work and social pedagogy. It explores their intertwined yet distinct trajectories, examining various theoretical perspectives on their relationship and analyzing the influence of societal changes on their evolution.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an introduction, an exploration of explanatory approaches to the development of social work and social pedagogy, a detailed history of social work spanning various historical periods (Middle Ages, Modern Times, Absolutism, Enlightenment, and beyond), a summary, and a reflection section. The history section further breaks down into sub-sections covering specific historical periods and their impact on social welfare practices.
What are the main objectives and key themes of the text?
The text aims to explore the historical evolution of social work and social pedagogy, examining their relationship through various theoretical lenses. It analyzes the influence of societal changes, such as industrialization and war, on social welfare practices and investigates the development of institutions and approaches to poverty and social care. The evolving understanding of poverty and its causes throughout history is another key theme.
What are the different theoretical perspectives discussed regarding the relationship between social work and social pedagogy?
The text presents and analyzes seven different theoretical perspectives: divergence, identity, substitution, subordination, subsumption, alternative, and convergence theories. Each offers a unique interpretation of the historical relationship and the degree of overlap between the two fields. The author expresses a preference for the convergence theory.
What historical periods are covered in the history of social work section?
The history of social work section covers a broad range of periods, starting from the shift from familial and community-based care to organized public welfare. It includes the Middle Ages, the beginnings of modern times, absolutism, the Enlightenment, and further periods (although the provided preview only details up to the Enlightenment). The text traces the evolution of social welfare practices within each era.
Which key figures are mentioned in the text?
Key figures discussed include Thomas Aquinas, Juan Luis Vives, and Thomas Robert Malthus, whose theoretical models of poverty and social welfare are examined within their historical context.
What is the significance of understanding the historical development of social work and social pedagogy?
Understanding the historical development is crucial for a comprehensive professional self-understanding. A lack of historical awareness limits a true understanding of the profession's current state, making historical context essential for interpreting the evolution of terminology and practices.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: Social work, social pedagogy, history, poverty, social welfare, institutional development, theoretical perspectives, historical context, Middle Ages, modern times, absolutism, Enlightenment, Thomas Aquinas, Juan Luis Vives, Thomas Robert Malthus.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of the content and main arguments presented in each chapter, offering a quick reference for readers.
What is the overall tone and approach of the text?
The text adopts a structured and professional approach, suitable for academic use, aiming to analyze themes in a detailed and comprehensive manner. The author clearly states their position and rationale throughout.
- Quote paper
- Svenja Bialk (Author), 2003, Historical Development of Social Work to Demonstrate the Theory of Convergence, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1161584
