5002- The Nursery of the Modern American Social Welfare System

Week 3 Overview: Scientific Charity, 1850–1900 As you work through this week's activities, keep the following questions in mind: How were the social policies and practices developed, and who was leading that development, during this time period? What was the goal of the social policies and practices that were enacted during this time period? To what extent are the social policies and practices from this time period reflected in today's policies and practices for social workers? This week, we cover the U.S. Civil War and post-Civil War eras, from 1850 to 1900. During this period, significant growth and change occurred, as the Civil War created different social and economic realities for the northern and southern states alike. The North experienced large population growth from the influx of immigrants from Europe and the migration of former slaves, and the South had to rebuild its economic, social, and political infrastructures, which were destroyed by the war and its aftermath. As a result of all this upheaval, poor residents in the northern urban areas and southern rural areas had similar yet quite different needs, and meeting those needs remained the responsibility of the state and local governments and local charities. The principal voluntary efforts by the Charity Organization Societies and settlement house movements had different approaches to helping the poor in their communities. Nineteenth-century industrialization also led to the rise of labor unions that fought for reforms related to child labor and the wages, safety, and living conditions of workers. At the turn of the century, educated, middle-income women were central to many of these reform efforts. For this discussion, discuss the phrase: “The nursery of the modern American social welfare system.” Here are some ideas to get you started: What practices that we have today had their beginnings during time period from 1850 to 1900? What are some similarities and differences between current and past foster care? What important social work principle began to emerge at this time and how do you think it influenced the development of the social work profession? Reflect on what, if any, evidence there was of considerations that would today be related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how that might be impacting current social work policies and practices.