History and Philosophy of Social Welfare

SW820, Section 001

This seminar traces the interrelated development of social policy, the philosophy of social welfare, and the evolution of the social work profession in the United States. It analyzed the values and assumptions that form the foundation of existing services and institutions, and explores the social, economic, political, and cultural contexts in which they have developed. The seminar will explore the evolution of cash assistance and social service provision in light of the nation's enduring legacy of inequality, racism, and sexism. It will also examine those aspects of U.S. social welfare development that are unique and those it shares with other industrialized countries.

The seminar will focus in depth on such topics as:

" The emergence and transformation of the concept of the welfare state
" The development of social services from a multicultural perspective
" The role of women in the development of U.S. social services
" The differentiation of functions among the public, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors
" Different interpretations of the evolution of the social work profession
" The changing role of research and interdisciplinary influences in constructing the knowledge base of social services and social policies.
" The role of historical research in tracing the emergence of U.S. social services and placing contemporary issues in their historical context

The course is open to doctoral students in all departments and programs. Students in history, political science, sociology, and anthropology may find the course of particular interest. Master's students in social work, urban planning, public policy, nursing, women's studies, African American studies, and other related fields may also enroll with the permission of the instructor.