1 Introduction
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Mark Henrickson
Abstract
The chapter sets out the scope and argument of the book that the origins of contemporary social work are found in Judaeo-Christian scriptures, Christian theologies of the 4th century CE, and Reformation Calvinism. Modern constructions of poor and marginalised persons remain remarkably consistent with these historical roots, even though modern social workers may understand themselves as non-religious. A fundamental tension exists between social control, which ensures social stability, and social care, which benefits the individual. Charles Taylor’s notion of the evolution of the social imaginary – the set of values, beliefs, laws, institutions, and symbols which shape the way we think of our society – from a vertical to a horizontal one, has been instrumental in the way the poor have been conceptualised. The scope of the book considers how human beings have addressed inequalities, the poor and vulnerabilised persons throughout history. Understanding these roots will enable social workers to consider if and how they will create a global future.
Abstract
The chapter sets out the scope and argument of the book that the origins of contemporary social work are found in Judaeo-Christian scriptures, Christian theologies of the 4th century CE, and Reformation Calvinism. Modern constructions of poor and marginalised persons remain remarkably consistent with these historical roots, even though modern social workers may understand themselves as non-religious. A fundamental tension exists between social control, which ensures social stability, and social care, which benefits the individual. Charles Taylor’s notion of the evolution of the social imaginary – the set of values, beliefs, laws, institutions, and symbols which shape the way we think of our society – from a vertical to a horizontal one, has been instrumental in the way the poor have been conceptualised. The scope of the book considers how human beings have addressed inequalities, the poor and vulnerabilised persons throughout history. Understanding these roots will enable social workers to consider if and how they will create a global future.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents ix
- Acknowledgements xi
- Introduction 1
- A royal responsibility 18
- Inventing the poor 42
- Reforming the poor 67
- Capitalising the poor 94
- Industrialising the poor 121
- Liberalising the poor 154
- Professionalising work with the poor 180
- A global perspective 198
- Creating a global future 214
- References 224
- Index 246
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents ix
- Acknowledgements xi
- Introduction 1
- A royal responsibility 18
- Inventing the poor 42
- Reforming the poor 67
- Capitalising the poor 94
- Industrialising the poor 121
- Liberalising the poor 154
- Professionalising work with the poor 180
- A global perspective 198
- Creating a global future 214
- References 224
- Index 246
