Social work is a professional field focused on helping individuals, families, groups, and communities enhance their well-being and address problems and challenges in their everyday lives. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century in the USA and Britain, and all the social and economic problems that they brought, inspired activists such as Jane Addams, Sophonisba Breckinridge, and Beatrice Webb to research and create solutions and plans for solving those problems. Their work and activism led to the institutionalization of social work. In modern industrial societies, social work has become increasingly professionalized. Social work blends psychology, sociology, advocacy, and practical support to promote social change, development, cohesion, and the empowerment of people, families, and communities, especially those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty.

Social workers assist children, the elderly, people with disabilities, refugees, and other people facing challenges such as poverty, mental illness, abuse, addiction, disability, unemployment, or discrimination. Social work is deeply rooted in human rights and social justice, advocating for easier access to services like healthcare, housing, and education, and fair treatment and equal opportunities for all. Instead of just solving problems for people, social workers empower clients to find their own strengths and resources, as many are trained to provide emotional support and mental health services. Social workers also step in during emergencies—like domestic violence, homelessness, or natural disasters—to help people find safety and stability. Social workers often act as a bridge, connecting clients with services like housing, food assistance, mental health care, legal aid, or employment support. Social workers are found in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, government agencies, non-profits, the criminal justice system, and more.

Types of social work:

• Clinical social work: Mental health therapy, diagnosis, and treatment
• Child and family social work: Supporting families, protecting children
• School social work: Helping students succeed academically and socially
• Medical social work: Assisting patients with healthcare and emotional needs
• Community social work: Working on large-scale issues like housing or public policy

References:

Addams. Hull-House Maps and Papers (1895);

     -    The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets (1909);

    -     The Cild, the Clinic and the Court (1927);

Anderson N. The Hobo: The Sociology of the Homeless Man (1923);

     -     Studies of the Family (1956);

Bosanquet. Social Work in London 1869-1912 (1914);

Breckinridge. The Delinquent Child and the Home (1912);

Bruno, F. J. Trends in Social Work As reflected in the Proceedings of the National Conference of Social Work 1874-1946 (1948);

Ehrenreich. “The Professional-Managerial Class”, in ed. Walker, Pat. Between Labor and Capital (1979).

Etzioni. The Semi Professions and their Organization: Teachers, Nurses, and Social Workers (1969);

Friedlaender, W. A. International Social Welfare (1975);

Hering, S. & Waaldijk, B. (Eds.). History of Social Work in Europe (1900-1960): Female Pioneers and Their Influence on the Development of International Organizations (2003);

Lorenz, W. Social Work in a Changing Europe (1994).