History of Social Work

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History of Social Work Paper The context in which the government operated was that of racism, class struggle, and social challenges for the freed slaves. The government faced a lot of challenges that needed its attention at the same time. At the same time, the white majority wanted to continue with policies and regulations of racial discrimination (Wttwchicago, 2021). The emancipation of slavery was a common issue then, as former slaves and their offspring tried to make a breakthrough in life. In this respect, social workers were influenced by trends of the time in their work.

The child welfare program operated in a context where there was a widespread threat to children's growth and development. The African Americans suffered economic and social challenges that impacted the quality of life for their children. The child welfare program was meant to address the pressing needs of vulnerable children in the U.S. (Wttwchicago, 2021).

However, there were not many social workers in the sector because of little funding. In addition, the local, state, or federal policies were not in place to directly inform the work of children's welfare programs. As a result, much of the work by social workers was influenced by private organizations and individual efforts.

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Housing programs Housing programs came when most African Americans were poor, unemployed, and prejudiced. The program was meant to help people get decent housing but failed to achieve its goal because of racism (Wttwchicago, 2021). Instead, it ended up benefiting the white majority than the black minority, furthering racial discrimination. The housing program was meant to solve the problems caused by the gap between the rich and the poor.

Similarities and Differences Similarities Addams and Wells were both African Americans, a common trait that explains similarities in their social work programs. Addams and Well fought racism, although at varying degrees. Segregation was an issue they fought in trying to promote social welfare (USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, 2017). Addams worked on promoting African Americans' social welfare through programs such as training.

Jane Addams and Ida B. Wells had different experiences about challenges facing the poor because she lived. Addams focused on the welfare of European immigrants, while Ida was more concerned about the welfare of African Americans. Addams worked towards abolishing child labor, creating juvenile courts, and limiting the working hours for women (Wttwchicago, 2021).

She also vouched for compulsory education and workplace safety in factories. On her part, Wells vouched for the end to racism and brutality directed at people of African ancestry; she also fought against the lynching of black people.

Differences Addams trained African Americans to gain social work skills while Wells educated African Americans about their rights and freedoms, racism, and brutality meted on them at the

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time. The different approaches the two used show how they served different objectives. Addams relied on her skills and knowledge about healthcare to promote ideas that would better the lives of African Americans (Wttwchicago, 2021). They included child care while Wells focused on creating awareness about the plight of African Americans.

Their work in social work impacted local, state, or federal policies by influencing governments to develop policies to address relief programs, child welfare, housing problem, and other issues such as care for the elderly (USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, 2017). However, social work was mainly done by volunteers; the government had not established measures to address social challenges the society faced.

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References USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work (2017). Legacies of Social Change: 100 Years of Professional Social Work in the United States. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=a4VzRSnksmA Wttwchicago. (2021). Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special Documentary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML8XiKVStWQ&t=80s