Explain How One Or More Aspects Of The History Of Social Wor

explain how 1 or more aspects of the history of social work relate to the social work population with whom you want to work

Social work emerged as a profession in response to social disparities brought on by the Industrial Revolution and subsequent urbanization. One of the foundational historical aspects that directly relate to contemporary social work practice is the development of macro and micro practice, shaped by pioneers such as Jane Addams and Mary Richmond. These historical figures laid the groundwork for understanding the importance of community organization and individual empowerment, respectively, which continue to inform social work approaches today.

Jane Addams, as a leading figure in the settlement house movement with Hull-House, exemplified macro practice aimed at creating equitable community environments. Her work focused on addressing social disparities by advocating for community resources, social reform, and collective action. In contrast, Mary Richmond’s emphasis on micro practice centered around helping individuals and families develop skills and resources to improve their societal participation. Both approaches contribute to a holistic understanding of social work, bridging community-level interventions with individual support.

Relating this historical context to my intended social work population—young adults facing homelessness and unemployment—I recognize the importance of integrating both macro and micro perspectives. For example, understanding historical macro efforts emphasizes the need for systemic change, such as advocating for affordable housing policies or employment programs. Simultaneously, micro practice skills enable me to empower individuals through counseling, skills training, and resource navigation. This dual perspective helps address immediate needs while also working toward long-term social change, consistent with the profession's mission of promoting social justice and human well-being.

how the mission of social work aligns with my goals for my social work career

The mission of social work, as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics, emphasizes enhancing human well-being and addressing basic human needs, particularly for vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished populations. This aligns closely with my personal career goals of supporting marginalized young adults to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. My aim is to empower clients by providing resources, advocacy, and skill development, ensuring they have access to opportunities that facilitate social and economic mobility.

For example, in my career plan, I aspire to work in community-based organizations that target homelessness and unemployment. The mission’s focus on social justice inspires me to advocate for policy changes, such as increased funding for affordable housing and job training programs, which align with my desire to address systemic barriers. Moreover, the emphasis on client empowerment motivates me to approach each individual with respect, fostering resilience and self-determination—a cornerstone of effective social work practice.

This alignment is further reinforced by the profession’s emphasis on holistic, environmental understanding of problems, which guides my goal of promoting sustainable social change. I see myself not only providing direct services but also engaging in advocacy and policy development to create equitable opportunities, reflecting the social work mission's call to serve vulnerable populations comprehensively.

Conclusion

Understanding the history of social work, particularly the contributions of figures like Jane Addams and Mary Richmond, provides essential insights into the integrated approach of macro and micro practice. This historical perspective informs my approach to working with marginalized young adults, emphasizing systemic advocacy alongside individualized support. The mission of social work to promote human well-being and social justice aligns seamlessly with my aspirations to empower clients and contribute to meaningful social change through advocacy, policy, and direct practice.

References

• Cox, L. E., Tice, C. J., & Long, D. D. (2019). Introduction to social work: An advocacy-based profession (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
• Reisch, M. (2016). Why macro practice matters. Journal of Social Work Education, 52(3), 258–268.
• VCU Libraries Social Welfare History Project. (n.d.). Richmond, Mary. Retrieved from https://socialwelfarehistory.vcu.edu/biographies/richmond-mary/
• Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://cwds.northwestern.edu/hullhouse/about/
• National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). Social work history. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/History
• NASW. (2021). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
• Walden University. (n.d.). Developing SMART goals. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/academic-skills/goal-setting/smart
• Walden University. (n.d.). Critical reading and evaluation. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/criticalreading
• Reisch, M. (2016). Why macro practice matters. Journal of Social Work Education, 52(3), 258–268.
• National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). Legacies of social change. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/News/News-Releases/ID/2201/Legacies-of-Social-Change