Policy Press

The Origins of Social Care and Social Work

Creating a Global Future

By Mark Henrickson

Published

Apr 9, 2024

Page count

232 pages

Browse the series

Research in Social Work

ISBN

978-1447357353

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 26, 2022

Page count

232 pages

Browse the series

Research in Social Work

ISBN

978-1447357346

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 26, 2022

Page count

232 pages

Browse the series

Research in Social Work

ISBN

978-1447357360

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jul 26, 2022

Page count

232 pages

Browse the series

Research in Social Work

ISBN

978-1447357360

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
The Origins of Social Care and Social Work

European and North American notions of helping - or managing - poor and marginalised people have deep roots in religious texts and traditions which continue to influence contemporary social policy and social work practice in ways which many do not realise.

Bringing together interdisciplinary scholarship, Mark Henrickson argues that it is essential to understand and critique social work’s origins in order to work out what to retain and what must change if we are to achieve the vision of a truly global profession.

Addressing current debates in international social work about social justice, professionalisation, and the legacy of colonisation, this thought-provoking book will allow practitioners and scholars to consider and create a global future for social work.

“This eminently written book is a must-read for all social work students, educators and practitioners. It opens up the gates for them to trace the origins of caring and sharing in their national/cultural contexts and to shape the future of global social work.” Manohar Pawar, Charles Sturt University and President, International Consortium for Social Development

“Bringing together the historical roots of social work with the cultural and religious influences on its global development, is an unprecedented operation. Mark Henrickson has produced a fundamental work that offers important guidance for building international social work.” Annamaria Campanini, President, International Association of Schools of Social Work

“A journey into religious and social history – Mark Henrickson provides insightful analysis of the origins of social work and raises important questions about its practice in the future. Brilliant, readable, accessible.” Peter Elliott, Vancouver School of Theology

Mark Henrickson is Professor of Social Work at Massey University.

1. Introduction

2. A Royal Responsibility

3. Inventing the Poor

4. Reforming the Poor

5. Capitalising the Poor

6. Industrialising the Poor

7. Liberalising the Poor

8. Professionalising Work with the Poor

9. A Global Perspective

10. Creating a Global Future